Gov't to propose law to redevelop buildings without all owners' consent

PARLIAMENT | Putrajaya is planning to propose an urban renewal law that will enable old buildings to be redeveloped without the agreement of all unit owners, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad told the Dewan Rakyat today.

"This is among the problems faced (in Malaysia) and all over the world. In the law that we are going to introduce, the matter will be dealt with," he told Fong Kui Lun (Harapan-Bukit Bintang) during the question-and-answer session.

The minister pointed to other countries such as Singapore, which requires the agreement of 90 percent of owners to redevelop buildings less than 10 years old, and 80 percent of owners for older buildings.

"But in Malaysia, you need (to obtain) 100 percent agreement (from the owners).

"We will look at the age of the building and perhaps for the buildings built more than 20 to 30 years ago, a lower rate (of agreement) can be proposed," he proposed.

He said he would ensure affected residents would be given a new house for free.

Fung had asked how the government would deal with old buildings in the capital.

"Many of the old buildings in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur can't be developed because the building (units) are owned by different owners, unless all the owners agree to the development.

"This has been a hindrance to the redevelopment of the city," said Fung.

He had asked if the government planned to introduce a new urban regeneration act to facilitate the private redevelopment of old buildings, similar to those implemented in Hong Kong and Singapore.

In his response, Khalid said the country only has guidelines on urban renewal for both the public and private sectors.

"We do not have a specific law to implement urban renewal. In order to make sure urban renewal is implemented in a sustainable and effective manner, a new law that moves towards this direction will be tabled," said Khalid.  - Mkini