KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government has identified 534 potential urban redevelopment areas in Peninsular Malaysia, with an estimated gross development value of RM355.3 billion.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said that 139 areas, covering 3,206.50 acres (1,297.62 hectares), are located in Kuala Lumpur.
He said that the proposed redevelopment will focus on seven key aspects: legal provisions, public-private partnerships, capacity building and knowledge sharing, community engagement and inclusivity, sustainable and resilient design, technology adoption and innovation, and transparency and accountability.
Nga noted that in extreme cases, older parts of the city become abandoned, unhealthy, and unsustainable. However, these areas often contain culturally and historically significant architecture worth preserving, he said, according to Bernama.
Nga said that this initiative is a crucial first step towards regenerating the 'left-behind' parts of the urban landscape.
He announced that his ministry plans to propose an urban redevelopment bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament by the first quarter of 2025, to govern urban renewal and redevelopment activities nationwide.
The bill aims to restore the vibrancy and attractiveness of old areas, provide affordable living spaces, enhance public facilities, and revitalise architecture of national significance.
The highest guiding principle in enacting this law is the people's well-being, prioritising humanity in line with Madani aspirations, Nga said.