KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): The National House Buyers Association (HBA) of Malaysia has welcomed the Cabinet’s decision to withdraw the proposed Urban Redevelopment Bill, describing the move as a positive step that allows space for reassessment of an issue with wide-reaching national implications.
In a statement issued following the government’s announcement, HBA said the decision demonstrates a willingness to pause and reconsider the proposed legislation, which had raised widespread concerns among homeowners and industry stakeholders.
The association also expressed appreciation to Members of Parliament from both sides of the political spectrum for their role in delaying the bill, noting that their interventions helped prevent a further erosion of public trust. HBA further acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders, including professionals, community leaders and civil society groups, who participated in discussions and consultations through the Umno-led task force and the Urban Renewal Convention process.
While welcoming the Cabinet’s decision, HBA said it remains cautious about the next steps. The association warned that any future version of the bill must represent a genuine reset rather than a superficial revision of earlier proposals.
According to HBA, any legislation reintroduced for consideration must be developed on a clean slate, supported by transparent engagement, meaningful consultation and clear incorporation of safeguards previously agreed upon during stakeholder discussions. Failure to do so, it said, could deepen the existing trust gap and further undermine public confidence.
HBA reiterated that it is not opposed to urban renewal in principle. However, it stressed that redevelopment initiatives — particularly in mature urban areas across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor — must proceed in a way that respects homeowners’ rights and recognises them as key stakeholders.
The outcome of the revised bill will have important implications for urban redevelopment projects involving commercial property in KL, office space in Bukit Jalil, and mixed-use regeneration schemes in established townships such as Subang and Puchong. Developers, landowners and investors are expected to closely monitor how the revised framework balances redevelopment objectives with homeowner protections.
Earlier in the day, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the Cabinet had decided to retract the bill after taking into account feedback from Members of Parliament, ministers and coalition partner Umno, with a revised version to be prepared in due course.
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