From Boo Jia Cher
The debates on the proposed Urban Renewal Act are not just technical discussions about property and land; they represent a pivotal moment in how we choose to shape the future of our cities and, by extension, Malaysian society.
If we want urban renewal to be a net positive, we must address many fundamental questions that require careful thought, empathy, and a collective vision for the future.
A key concern is the regulation of developers. Property speculation has often hindered genuine urban renewal, with developers taking advantage of uninformed residents, leading to displacement and gentrification.
Its not hard to imagine a vulnerable senior citizen being pressured into selling their property to a dishonest developer we are already familiar with the unethical practices of some local developers.
For urban renewal to succeed, strict regulations must be implemented to protect the most vulnerable. The government has a duty to ensure that renewal efforts empower communities rather than enable exploitation.
Breathing life into Kuala Lumpur
Equally crucial is the question of what truly makes a city alive. As the largest city in the country, Kuala Lumpur, without a doubt, will be the most affected by any major transformation.
But what exactly is Kuala Lumpur? Is it defined by its gleaming skyscrapers and sprawling malls teeming with global luxury brands? Or is it the soul of the city: the vibrant streets that pulse with life, the rich heritage passed down through generations, and the local culture and cuisine that shape daily experiences?
To genuinely revitalise KL, we cannot simply replace everything with modern structures that strip the city of its character. The Old Klang Valley, with its iconic 4- to 5-storey modernist shophouses, tells a story that is deeply intertwined with KLs identity.
Whether its the bustling energy of Chow Kit, the colourful streets of Brickfields, or the lively roads of Maluri, these shophouse neighbourhoods are not merely spaces on a map; they are the living history of the city.
However, many of these areas are in disrepair, overcrowded, and plagued by unsanitary conditions. Places like Jalan Pudu Ulu, Jalan Cochrane, and Salak Selatan the very places where KLites sprung from are left forgotten, abandoned, and left to decay. I bring up these areas deliberately; they arent typically highlighted as part of our heritage.
Yet, this is KLs history, the heritage of its mining and plantation town roots, and it must not be discarded in favour of cold, impersonal glass towers, generic cafes serving lattes and croissants, or cookie-cutter condominiums with ostentatious faux-European names.
The government must collaborate closely with organisations like Badan Warisan Malaysia to ensure that heritage whether grand or humble is preserved and celebrated, not sacrificed in the name of progress.
Smaller-scale development
The focus on large-scale monolithic developments must be rethought. We need to look at small-scale, community-driven projects that integrate with the citys character. Take a cue from Melbournes Nightingale Housing, an innovative, sustainable, and car-free living model situated near public transit.
By focusing on infill development, smaller apartments that blend with the existing architecture, we can create vibrant, liveable neighbourhoods that contribute to the citys personality rather than overshadowing it.
End urban sprawl
Urban renewal should not just be about increasing density but also about managing growth sustainably. Urban sprawl has already begun to erode Malaysias livability. As people continue to commute long distances from suburban areas like Semenyih to KL on highways that induce traffic congestion and pollution, we must rethink our approach.
Urban sprawl destroys the heart of our cities. If we are to protect our quality of life, we must introduce Urban Growth Boundaries and prioritise building compact, efficient, and accessible urban spaces that reduce reliance on cars.
Nga must work to build consensus
And then, theres the matter of leadership. As the housing and local government minister, Nga Kor Ming has shown commitment to his role, but theres a critical shift he must make. His combative nature, honed during DAPs time in the opposition, no longer serves him or the nation.
As a leader for all Malaysians, he must approach criticisms and opposition with sensitivity and humility, especially on a topic as sensitive as land. He must work to build consensus and avoid giving ammunition to those who wish to distract from the real issues at hand.
The way ahead
Urban renewal in Malaysia stands at a crossroads. Its up to all of us, government, developers, and rakyat, to ensure that we make the right choice for future generations.
We can either embrace it as an opportunity to reimagine our cities in a way that honours the rich history of KL as a mining town, melting pot, and trading hub while building a sustainable future, or we can let it become more malls and glass towers, devoid of soul and disconnected from the people it is meant to serve.
Boo Jia Cher is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.