The Urban Renewal Act is set to be tabled in Parliament in the first quarter of 2025. This is arguably one of the most prominent pieces of legislation that is set to be tabled by the MADANI government in their first term in power. It has certainly been one of the most hotly debated ones. The Act ultimately sets out to facilitate the redevelopment of aging and abandoned urban properties, enable better planning and modernize city spaces. However, the core of the act, which will lower the consent threshold for en-bloc sales, has invited passionate responses. Some worry about the potential displacement of lower income groups while others are concerned that their rights as landlords will be diminished, among others. In this episode, we unpack some of the key arguments for and against the act and discern if it’s something Malaysia needs. We speak to Nischal Muniandy, Senior Executive of Research, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), and a member of Transit Malaysia.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.