Latest news with #UrbanRenewalAct
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to lead UN-Habitat 2026–2029
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been appointed president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2026–2029 term, representing the Asia-Pacific region. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said this marked the first time Malaysia would assume a leadership role in UN-Habitat — a responsibility the country is fully prepared to undertake as it showcases its achievements and offers practical solutions to global urban challenges. The four-year presidency follows UN-Habitat's system of regional rotation. Malaysia will succeed Mexico, which has represented Latin America and the Caribbean from 2019 to 2025. Nga said that Malaysia's strong track record in sustainable urban development, housing provision, and waste management positions the country well to lead global dialogue under the theme of building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities. "This appointment is a significant milestone in Malaysia's growing global leadership, particularly as we also assume the Asean chairmanship this year," he said. "Our track record speaks for itself. Malaysia has achieved 43 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators — far surpassing the global average of 17 per cent. Our contributions encompass affordable housing, urban regeneration, and sustainable waste management. "As of March 2025, we have completed 179,769 affordable housing units, with more than 235,000 currently under construction and over 76,000 in the planning stage — totalling 98.4 per cent of our national target." Nga said that urban regeneration and legal reform would be key focus areas during Malaysia's presidency. These include plans to table the Urban Renewal Act and the proposed Building Managers Act, aimed at addressing dilapidated buildings and poor property management. "We are also pioneering innovative waste management through the National Circular Economy Council and our Circular Economy Blueprint (2025–2035), in addition to converting former landfill sites into public spaces," he said. He added that Malaysia would use its presidency to amplify the voices of the Global South and foster multilateral cooperation through people-public-private partnerships. "This is more than a diplomatic achievement — it reflects Malaysia's evolution into a responsible and forward-thinking global partner. "It also provides a platform for us to raise the voices of the Asia-Pacific region and empower communities worldwide in their pursuit of liveable and sustainable urban environments. This strengthens Malaysia's standing in the Global South." Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the UN-Habitat was established in 1977 and became a full programme under the UN General Assembly in 2001. With the support of 193 member states, UN-Habitat leads global efforts on human settlements and plays a central role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 — to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Revitalising urban areas
IN a world where science and technology dominate, the old eventually make way for the new. Antiquated vehicles, buildings and infrastructure are rapidly demolished and replaced. Fashion is dictated by youthful trends, and new ideas bring fresh paradigms and ideologies. Tech startups are overhauling the way we work, play, love, eat and trade. The young, armed with more money, power and influence, tear through tradition, devoid of sentimentality. But they are persuaded to compromise: they are allowed to flatten swathes of the past provided they retain some of the ruins. For instance, the Porta de Santiago gate of the 15th century Portuguese fortress of A Famosa in Melaka, lies surrounded by a water theme park, safari, golf course, hotel and shopping mall. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation designated it a World Heritage site. In developing the BBCC Lalaport mall in Kuala Lumpur, the developers maintained the Pudu Jail main gate. Sometimes, developers are denied. In the 1990s, a major developer could have bulldozed Stadium Merdeka, Stadium Negara and Victoria Institution. Fortunately, common sense prevailed: the historical sites went unmolested. Against this backdrop, Kuala Lumpur City Hall was implored to retain historical elements in redeveloping 139 areas to include memories of the original communities that had developed strong cultural roots and identity. Progress cannot be allowed to destroy national heritage. The Urban Renewal Act (URA) has been touted as a pragmatic platform to redevelop dilapidated urban areas and improve quality of life. Let's make one thing clear: rapid development is not a bad idea but capricious development is, especially if it damages historic neighbourhoods, hometowns and cities. Malaysia has to at least stop constructing buildings that are later neglected to the point of deformity. Instead of demolishing, city fathers must create thoughtful urban design, strengthened by political will to overcome long-term short-sightedness. In justifying development, the URA may prove to be a useful and powerful development tool but in its current framework, its deployment is reactionary, created to mend previous decades of myopic development decisions. The Act's impact on property rights, gentrification and displacement of low-income residents cannot be overstated. Solutions are available: the URA's goals, procedures and impact must involve communities during planning and decision-making. The URA should integrate with broader urban planning strategies because its complexities are underscored by strong arguments on both sides. The ideal outcome is not only to redevelop and revitalise urban areas, but also protect residents' rights and well-being with fair compensation and spacious and liveable replacement housing.
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
DBKL urged to carefully examine historical elements to be retained in urban redevelopment
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been urged to carefully examine historical elements to be retained in urban redevelopment involving 139 identified areas, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the retention of historical elements is crucial to serve as memories, especially for the original residents of a place, in the pursuit of sustainable and resilient development. 'This area was once a squatter area consisting of wooden houses, due to relocation during the construction of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE). So, there is some history here because some residents, including my staff, were relocated to this area once upon a time. 'So, they have memories of growing up in this area, so that future generations know that before they were born, in previous generations, there was such a community. 'I believe this will help us have strong roots, including in terms of culture, identity, and memories of the place where we were born and raised,' he said. Fahmi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, said this when met by reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi at Pantai Sentral Park, developed by IJM Land and Amona Group, here today. Also present were DBKL Planning Executive Director Datuk Zulkurnain Hassan, IJM Land Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Tony Ling, and Director cum CEO of Amona Group, Datuk Che Hasnadi Che Hassan. Fahmi said that for Lembah Pantai, several areas including Taman Bukit Angkasa have been identified for redevelopment due to housing projects developed 30 to 40 years ago, whereby infrastructure, such as lifts, are now in a dilapidated and worn-out condition. 'To ensure that all residents, especially owners, benefit, we need clear laws. Therefore, DBKL's aspiration to assist in the redevelopment of these 139 areas around Kuala Lumpur needs to move in tandem with a new act, namely the Urban Renewal Act,' he said. Meanwhile, he said thousands of trees, including Meranti Damar, Meranti Daun, and Merawan Siput Jantan species, will be replanted at Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. 'I have asked the developer to consider several aspects, including the history of the area, so that it can be incorporated into the design of the park. 'If we look at the Kuala Lumpur area, there are communities that have long been in certain areas before they were developed, and I hope here we can celebrate that history by incorporating it either in the design or the selection of trees. 'Once upon a time, the Kampung Kerinchi community informed that there were several areas used as places where the community came to find bamboo to be cut and sold, so maybe we can look at what species they are,' he said.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
DBKL Urged To Carefully Examine Historical Elements To Be Retained In Urban Redevelopment
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been urged to carefully examine historical elements to be retained in urban redevelopment involving 139 identified areas, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the retention of historical elements is crucial to serve as memories, especially for the original residents of a place, in the pursuit of sustainable and resilient development. "This area was once a squatter area consisting of wooden houses, due to relocation during the construction of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE). So, there is some history here because some residents, including my staff, were relocated to this area once upon a time. "So, they have memories of growing up in this area, so that future generations know that before they were born, in previous generations, there was such a community. "I believe this will help us have strong roots, including in terms of culture, identity, and memories of the place where we were born and raised," he said. Fahmi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, said this when met by reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi at Pantai Sentral Park, developed by IJM Land and Amona Group, here today. Also present were DBKL Planning Executive Director Datuk Zulkurnain Hassan, IJM Land Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Tony Ling, and Director cum CEO of Amona Group, Datuk Che Hasnadi Che Hassan. Fahmi said that for Lembah Pantai, several areas including Taman Bukit Angkasa have been identified for redevelopment due to housing projects developed 30 to 40 years ago, whereby infrastructure, such as lifts, are now in a dilapidated and worn-out condition. "To ensure that all residents, especially owners, benefit, we need clear laws. Therefore, DBKL's aspiration to assist in the redevelopment of these 139 areas around Kuala Lumpur needs to move in tandem with a new act, namely the Urban Renewal Act," he said.
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
DBKL told to assess heritage aspects in urban redevelopment plans
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been urged to carefully examine historical elements to be retained in urban redevelopment involving 139 identified areas, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the retention of historical elements is crucial to serve as memories, especially for the original residents of a place, in the pursuit of sustainable and resilient development. 'This area was once a squatter area consisting of wooden houses, due to relocation during the construction of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE). So, there is some history here because some residents, including my staff, were relocated to this area once upon a time. 'So, they have memories of growing up in this area, so that future generations know that before they were born, in previous generations, there was such a community. 'I believe this will help us have strong roots, including in terms of culture, identity, and memories of the place where we were born and raised,' he said. Fahmi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, said this when met by reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi at Pantai Sentral Park, developed by IJM Land and Amona Group, here today. Also present were DBKL Planning Executive Director Datuk Zulkurnain Hassan, IJM Land Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Tony Ling, and Director cum CEO of Amona Group, Datuk Che Hasnadi Che Hassan. Fahmi said that for Lembah Pantai, several areas including Taman Bukit Angkasa have been identified for redevelopment due to housing projects developed 30 to 40 years ago, whereby infrastructure, such as lifts, are now in a dilapidated and worn-out condition. 'To ensure that all residents, especially owners, benefit, we need clear laws. Therefore, DBKL's aspiration to assist in the redevelopment of these 139 areas around Kuala Lumpur needs to move in tandem with a new act, namely the Urban Renewal Act,' he said. Meanwhile, he said thousands of trees, including Meranti Damar, Meranti Daun, and Merawan Siput Jantan species, will be replanted at Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. 'I have asked the developer to consider several aspects, including the history of the area, so that it can be incorporated into the design of the park. 'If we look at the Kuala Lumpur area, there are communities that have long been in certain areas before they were developed, and I hope here we can celebrate that history by incorporating it either in the design or the selection of trees. 'Once upon a time, the Kampung Kerinchi community informed that there were several areas used as places where the community came to find bamboo to be cut and sold, so maybe we can look at what species they are,' he said.
