Latest news with #MalaysianInstituteofPlanners
The Star
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Clear mechanisms and phased rollout key to URA's success'
PETALING JAYA: Clear mechanisms, combined with phased implementation, will be key to ensuring the success of the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA), which is set to be tabled later this year, says the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP). The institute said the government must clarify the dispute resolution mechanisms available to help facilitate agreements among property owners. This, it said, would protect the rights of property owners concerned about redevelopment, while also safeguarding overall community well-being in affected areas and helping to reduce delays in resolving such conflicts. MIP also recommended that the URA be implemented in phases, allowing for adjustments based on real-world challenges or lessons learned from earlier stages. 'Combining this with a data-driven approach in policymaking would ensure positive outcomes for all stakeholders while achieving its goal of revitalising ageing, dilapidated urban areas. 'Impact assessment studies on the Act's possible effects on social, heritage, and environmental aspects must also be conducted to ensure the urban renewal process is holistic and sustainable,' it said in a press release yesterday. MIP further suggested that urban renewal and redevelopment zones be identified within local plans and special area plans under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172). It said this would enable better coordinated implementation by local authorities through additional statutory recognition and encourage greater stakeholder involvement. 'Continued and inclusive engagement with stakeholders must also take place, particularly regarding land use policies and legal matters, to build public confidence in the framework,' it added.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ensure urban renewal process is holistic and sustainable, says MIP
PETALING JAYA: Clear mechanisms combined with a phased implementation will be key to ensure the proposed Urban Renewal Act's (URA) success, says the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP). The institute said the government must give priority to clarifying the dispute resolution mechanisms available to facilitate agreements among property owners. "This would ensure the rights of property owners who may have concerns about redevelopment while protecting overall community wellbeing in affected areas. "In addition, measures should be put in place to address and reduce existing delays in resolving such conflicts," MIP said in a press statement on Monday (May 5). It said that URA should be implemented in phases, allowing for adjustments to be made in light of any sudden real-world challenges or lessons learned from initial phases. 'Combining this with a data-driven approach in policymaking would ensure positive outcomes for all stakeholders while achieving its goal of revitalising ageing, dilapidated urban areas. 'Impact assessment studies on social, heritage and environmental effects must also be done first to ensure the urban renewal process is both holistic and sustainable,' it added. MIP also suggested that the identification of urban renewal and redevelopment areas be included in the local plans and special area plans under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172). "This would allow for a better coordinated implementation by relevant local authorities through additional statutory recognition and promote more stakeholder engagement. "Continued and inclusive engagement with stakeholders must also be done, particularly on matters related to land use policies and legal, to strengthen public confidence in the framework. "With structured dialogues and transparent decision-making processes, it will contribute to a more successful and widely supported urban renewal initiative,' it said. According to the draft Bill, the URA aims to enhance the efficiency of urban planning, particularly in addressing the risk of urban dilapidation and deterioration, as well as maintaining a balanced urban environment. The Bill is expected to be tabled sometime this year.
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MIP urges holistic, inclusive, transparent implementation of Urban Renewal Act
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) has urged for a thorough evaluation of the social and economic impacts of the forthcoming Urban Renewal Act (URA), with particular attention to strata title owners and communities affected by redevelopment. It emphasised the importance of comprehensive impact assessments and feasibility studies to ensure the Act delivers outcomes that are both equitable and sustainable. In a recent statement, MIP called on the government to provide clearer guidelines on the Act's operational mechanisms to help facilitate agreement among property owners. Clearer provisions, it said, would support smoother, more coordinated execution of urban renewal projects, ultimately improving their effectiveness. MIP also advocated for a data-driven approach in policymaking, underscoring the value of integrating key monitoring and evaluation tools such as Social Impact Assessments (SIA), Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA), and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). These, it noted, are critical in ensuring that redevelopment is approached in a holistic and sustainable manner. With urban renewal efforts already taking place across various regions in Malaysia, MIP highlighted the importance of learning from past projects and enhancing existing frameworks. It recommended adopting a structured, phased implementation strategy that allows for adaptation based on real-world challenges and lessons learnt over time. The institute further proposed that the act should include clearly defined mechanisms for resolving disputes among property owners, as well as provisions to manage the broader impact of redevelopment on surrounding areas in a fair and transparent manner. "Continuous engagement with stakeholders through structured dialogues and transparent decision-making processes will contribute to a more successful and widely supported urban renewal initiative," it said. Additionally, MIP recommended that designated urban renewal and redevelopment zones be incorporated into local plans or special area plans under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172). This, it said, would provide statutory recognition, ensure alignment with existing planning policies, and support coordinated implementation by relevant authorities. "Integrating these areas into local and special area plans enhances transparency, promotes stakeholder engagement, and strengthens the legitimacy of urban renewal initiatives," it added. MIP reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the Department of Town and Country Planning (PLANMalaysia) and the government to ensure the URA meets its objectives in a way that benefits communities, urban centres, and the nation as a whole. Scheduled to be tabled in Parliament this July, the URA is designed to offer homeowners access to improved, more comfortable, and spacious replacement units as part of Malaysia's urban regeneration efforts.
