CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has signalled that his state administration will support the Urban Renewal Bill (URA), set to be tabled in Parliament, dismissing the concerns raised by opposition-led states.
Chow was responding after being asked by a reporter about Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu, which have rejected the bill citing fears of encroachment on state autonomy.
“I don’t think those states face this issue at all. Instead, just have a look at the Selangor Menteri Besar’s statement stating there are many such projects there that need redevelopment.
“If they are not renewed, 50 years will become 100 years. Just imagine the condition of such flats. Would you want to live in a 400 square-foot flat for another 50 years?” he told reporters after launching the Penang Silicon Design @5KM+ (PSD@5KM+) here today.
Chow noted that even without the URA, Penang has taken proactive steps to redevelop ageing housing schemes, citing the public housing renewal project at Lorong Mahsuri 10 in Bandar Bayan Baru.
“Previously, the launch of the project at Mahsuri Mayang Baru was one example of urban renewal carried out without legislation.
“Similarly, the Razak Mansion redevelopment in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, saw entire four-storey blocks of 300 to 400 square-foot flats demolished and rebuilt again without the URA.
“However, with the bill in place, obstacles can be better overcome since unanimous agreement is not required. An 80 per cent consensus is sufficient to proceed with redevelopment projects,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Siew Chia En