News by Choy Nyen Yiau

The debate session on the Urban Renewal Bill 2025 (URA Bill) has been pushed back by a day, as Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming confirmed it will not be withdrawn amid continued criticism.

The call comes after the PAC urged the government to overhaul Kuala Lumpur’s land development system, citing serious issues including unchecked approvals, ignored public objections, and the sale of public land below market value.

Such a move would dampen the capital city’s gross domestic product heavily dependent on the construction and property-related services sectors, she said.

The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) found that an outdated formula to calculate land prices led to the government losing about RM136.8 million in revenue in the case of the Kampung Bohol flood retention pond project.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the government to overhaul Kuala Lumpur’s land development system after uncovering serious issues, including unchecked approvals, ignored public objections, and the sale of public land below market value.

Property group Ideal Capital Bhd (KL:IDEAL) saw its net profit for the second quarter fall 14%, dragged down by a jump in cost of sales despite higher revenue.

Lawmakers from both sides of the political divide want the Housing and Local Government Ministry to defer the second reading of the Urban Renewal Bill 2025 (URA Bill) and have it referred to relevant parliamentary special select committees for further scrutiny.

The Urban Renewal Bill 2025, which seeks to lower the consent threshold for redevelopment projects, was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Monday announced a budget ceiling of RM16 billion to RM17 billion for the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.

The government is in the midst of drafting amendments to the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 to expand its scope to cover problematic commercial projects.