URA should prevent mass evictions while addressing Kuala Lumpur’s finite land

Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani emphasized that the proposed Urban Renewal Act (URA), set for tabling in June, must consider sensitivities like the historical origins of residents’ land, using the stalled Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment as a reference. He cautioned against using the Land Acquisition Act 1960 to force evictions and stressed that the URA should prevent mass evictions while addressing Kuala Lumpur’s finite land.

Johari advocated for redevelopment that benefits residents long-term, such as transforming low-rise flats into high-rise buildings to provide more housing for original residents’ families, fostering sustainable communities, as discussed on a TV3 podcast.

URA

“The government must take heed of the issues that have arisen in Kampung Sungai Baru and use them as a basis for incorporation into any legislation, including the proposed URA.

“It is critical to consider sensitivities, such as which areas should be included, because land in Kuala Lumpur is finite. If we are to redevelop flats that are between 50 and 70 years old, then a specific act (URA) is necessary – but it must be deeply mindful of the land’s historical roots to avoid mass evictions during redevelopment,” he said.

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