ELDERLY residents living in decades-old public housing blocks across Kuala Lumpur are calling for the immediate implementation of the proposed Urban Renewal Bill (RUU PSB), describing it as a long-overdue solution to decades of hardship.
Sinar Harian today cited that in many of the city’s oldest flats, residents — most of them now senior citizens — have endured collapsed ceilings, blocked drainage systems, crumbling infrastructure and non-functional lifts for over 25 years.
With little to no maintenance and worsening living conditions, many say they are ready to move, as long as the government and developers provide temporary housing and fair terms.
“If the government says start today, I’ll leave tonight,” said Rahimah Ghafor, 71, who has lived in her Seri Petaling flat for more than 40 years. “We’ve waited long enough. It’s not about politics — it’s about our children and grandchildren.”
Rahimah is among over 500 residents in her block who have signed agreements supporting redevelopment. She cited worsening sewage overflows, leaking roofs and broken plumbing that have made life increasingly untenable.
“The building is falling apart around us,” she added. “It’s about basic human dignity now.”
No place for elderly people to live
K. Kadiresen, 79, has lived without a functioning lift in his six-storey flat for more than two decades. Storms have twice ripped apart his roof, forcing him to spend RM8,000 on repairs. Regular water cuts only add to the burden.
“Imagine us elderly having to climb all those stairs every day,” he said. “This place is no longer habitable. I’d give it 30 per cent for comfort and cleanliness. It’s time to rebuild.”
Others share similar frustrations. Esther Wang, 55, said she has spent thousands tackling termite infestations and roof leaks from the unit above hers.
“We pay RM35 a month for maintenance, but nothing improves,” she said. “We’re basically funding a system that does nothing for us.”
Hamed Kadir, a 62-year-old catering business owner, said conditions at his flat have become increasingly hazardous, from blocked drains and poor sanitation to a mosquito infestation. Yet, he recently received a notice demanding RM21,000 in unpaid maintenance fees.
“There’s no transparency. The infrastructure’s collapsing, but we’re expected to pay more,” he said. “It’s unacceptable.”
A willingness to relocate — but not without safeguards
The proposed Urban Renewal Bill is now seen as the clearest route to resolving these long-standing problems. But residents say any redevelopment must come with guarantees: temporary housing, financial support, and the right to return.
“I’ve lived here since 1990 — that’s over 35 years,” said Salim Ishak, 70. “If the government provides proper rental support while the work is done, I’ll move immediately.”
Rohani Khairom, 74, said the state of her building has deteriorated beyond repair. Plumbing is unreliable, the roof leaks during every downpour, and car parks are overcrowded. “Sometimes we wait two days just for someone to come fix a leak,” she said. “We can’t keep living like this.”
Single mother Faridah Sawi, 68, said her flat is falling apart. “The wiring’s over three decades old. Wooden doors are rotting. I can’t go up and down the stairs like I used to. This can’t go on,” she said. “We need real action — not empty promises.”
A willingness to relocate — but not without safeguards
The Urban Renewal Bill, spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and drafted by PLANMalaysia, aims to offer a clear national legal framework for redeveloping dilapidated urban housing while protecting residents’ rights.
Datuk Dr Alias Rameli, Director-General of PLANMalaysia, assured that the Bill is not about forced evictions or land grabs, but about creating a structured, equitable process to rejuvenate decaying urban zones.
“We’re not taking land from people. We’re building a mechanism that ensures order, fairness and proper consultation in redevelopment,” he said.
Dr Alias explained that the proposed Bill is based on four key principles: consent from property owners, protection of original residents, respect for landowner rights, and the provision of temporary housing.
“No project will proceed without at least 75 to 80 per cent agreement from affected residents,” he said. “And residents will not be left out in the cold — they will receive comfortable temporary accommodation, relocation assistance, and long-term housing guarantees.”
He also stressed that redevelopment will not occur on heritage sites gazetted under the National Heritage Act 2005.
The government has held over 100 engagement sessions with stakeholders, including resident associations, developers, professional bodies and academics.
Not about sentiment — but survival
Despite some concerns about increased maintenance costs post-redevelopment, residents like Rahimah remain pragmatic.
“Developers say we’ll be given two parking bays. If we don’t use one, we can rent it out to cover costs,” she said. “This isn’t about race or politics. It’s about survival and giving our grandchildren a better place to grow up.”
Abu Bakar Mat Salleh, 71, said he has done what he can to patch up his flat over the years — but the time has come to move on.
“It’s not just about me anymore. It’s about giving the next generation a home to be proud of,” he said.
Dr Alias said the Bill is part of the broader Ekonomi MADANI strategy to enhance the quality of urban living while managing limited land resources in an increasingly congested capital.
“It’s no longer an option. Malaysia needs a new model for sustainable urban redevelopment,” he said. “The Urban Renewal Bill provides that framework.” - October 5, 2025
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