01/12/2025

MONDAY | DEC 1, 2025

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Govt set to push for delayed Urban Renewal Bill

reduce the risk of such crimes, strengthen digital trust and enhance security, while also minimising leaks in the digital economy,“ he said. Addressing public concerns over privacy and data security, Nik Hisham emphasised that MyDigital ID does not store user data, track online activity or collect new information. “In reality, MyDigital ID does not function that way,“ he said. He explained that the platform’s sole purpose is to verify an individual’s identity when they choose to log in to a service, and this is done only with the user’s full consent and control. “Our principle is simple, your data belongs to you, always. With MyDigital ID, it is now more secure than ever,“ he said. – Bernama Residents witness groundbreaking of Kg Sungai Baru project KUALA LUMPUR: Residents of Kampung Sungai Baru can finally celebrate the start of a long-awaited redevelopment project, nearly a decade in the making, which officially kicked off yesterday. The project is expected to be completed within four years. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the initiative would not only provide residents with modern and comfortable homes but also offer a range of additional incentives as a gesture of appreciation for their patience. “Yesterday, we opened the project site for residents to see for themselves the improved living conditions they can look forward to. I believe this is a joyful moment for them,“ she said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kampung Sungai Baru Redevelopment project. Hundreds of resident representatives attended the ceremony and were given the chance to view an exhibition showcasing the model homes being developed. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Na’im Mokhtar, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud and Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus. Zaliha said the new residential units would range from 900sq ft to 1,200sq ft, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms – a significant upgrade from the original homes. She also announced several incentives agreed by the developer, including free maintenance charges for the first year, followed by a 70% discount from the second to 10th year. “The developer has also agreed to provide additional home fittings such as air conditioning units, kitchen hoods and walk-in kitchens, worth up to RM2 million. “In addition, a new access road to the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Expressway will be constructed for RM15 million, fully funded by the developer,“ she said. Zaliha added that she would personally monitor the project progress, with support from relevant agencies and residents, to ensure completion within the stipulated timeframe. Meanwhile, Mohd Na’im, a resident of Kampung Sungai Baru, expressed gratitude to the government for resolving the long-standing issue. “We have finally closed a chapter that has dragged on for 10 years. I hope residents will help monitor the project,“ he said. – Bernama

o Robust development laws key to building brighter future, raising economic mobility and

creating more liveable ecosystems: Minister

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry is set to push ahead with the long-delayed Urban Renewal Bill, with minister Nga Kor Ming saying that Malaysia risks falling behind without urgent legislative reform. Nga said the timing of the second reading remains subject to the prime minister’s approval but stressed that the ministry is fully prepared. “What I can say is that the ministry is ready to proceed with the second reading of this Bill. “However, it depends on the tight schedule of the Dewan Rakyat sitting next week,” he said after the Urban Renewal Dialogue Session organised by the ministry and PLANMalaysia yesterday. He emphasised that the Bill was far from a rushed initiative. “This is not something done hastily. The urban renewal guidelines have existed for 13 years. Five ministers have come and gone, but none moved to establish a proper legal framework – a clear source of authority to assist the people.” Highlighting the government’s consultative approach, Nga added: “This demonstrates that this government is willing to listen with an open heart – to accept suggestions, views and criticisms.” He added that robust urban development laws are key to building a brighter future for the next generation, pointing to successful models in Asia. “Japan’s Urban Renewal Act has been amended repeatedly because they have a

Nga said Malaysia has fallen behind Korea, Japan, China, Singapore and Australia as local laws have lagged for nearly 40 years. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

comprehensive legal framework. “South Korea has an Urban Regeneration Act that has proven effective. Our neighbour Singapore, through its Act and HDB (Housing Development Board) policies, has transformed old urban areas into modern, safe, high-value growth centres.” He said urban renewal is more than physical upgrades. “It strengthens social networks, increases economic mobility and creates greener, more liveable ecosystems.” He also stressed the urgency of reform amid rapid urbanisation. “Last year, Malaysia’s urbanisation rate reached 75.8% and is projected to hit 85% by 2040. In 15 years, only 15% of Malaysians will live in rural areas and 85% will live in cities. “Malaysia has fallen behind Korea, Japan, China, Singapore and Australia. Our laws have lagged for nearly 40 years. Land acquisition laws alone cannot solve these challenges. We need a more inclusive and compassionate Act.”

Nga also said the ministry had incorporated 13 recommendations from the Umno Urban Renewal Convention held last October, and that 534 areas nationwide have been gazetted as dilapidated zones by state governments. “As of today, 534 areas require redevelopment. These zones were not proposed by the ministry – they were identified, proposed and gazetted by the state governments themselves, including opposition-led states such as Kelantan. Yet, these same states now oppose the Bill. It is an illogical contradiction,” he said. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, Nga added: “Our Madani government listens. We engaged in 128 sessions, including three with the Parliamentary Special Select Committee – something no previous government has done.” The Urban Renewal Bill, first tabled for its second reading on Aug 28, has faced repeated delays. It is slated for debate in the current Dewan Rakyat sitting, which runs until Dec 4.

Malaysian man confirmed missing in West Sumatra PUTRAJAYA: The Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Malaysian Asrul Nizam Apridwson, 30, has gone missing and is feared to be among those affected by a landslide in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra on Nov 27. Regional Disaster Management Agency and Padang Panjang police to obtain the latest updates on the ongoing search and rescue operations.

area, which remains closed. “Malaysians in the affected areas are urged to register with the consulate general to facilitate timely assistance and communication,” it said. The Consulate General in Medan can be reached via its 24-hour hotline at +62 823-6164 6046 or by email at mwmedan@kln.gov.my – Bernama

The ministry also advised Malaysians in West Sumatra to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and avoid high-risk areas prone to landslides and flooding, especially the Padang–Bukit Tinggi route in the Lembah Anai

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the Consulate General of Malaysia in Medan is in continuous contact with the Indonesia National Search and Rescue Agency, West Sumatra

Stronger cyber security as telcos begin MyDigital ID integration PUTRAJAYA: Starting today, Malaysians will enjoy significantly stronger digital security as all telecommunications companies integrate the MyDigital ID identity verification technology into their mobile apps. The rollout focuses on three key areas – verification of existing prepaid numbers (whitelisting), registration of new SIM cards and logging into telecommunication apps via MyDigital ID. reinforces the Malaysian Cyber Security Strategy Plan 2025-2030, led by Nacsa, ensuring the nation’s cyber ecosystem remains secure and resilient against current and future threats,“ he said.

In a statement yesterday, MyDigital ID confirmed that the national initiative aims to protect users from scam calls, identity spoofing and fraud involving unverified or misused numbers. Supported by the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) and coordinated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the initiative ensures that every mobile phone number is linked to a valid and trusted identity.

Nacsa chief executive Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the implementation of each component may vary among service providers, but the objective is the same – to prevent criminals from exploiting unverified SIM cards for illegal activities. ”MyDigital ID plays a critical role because its identity verification process is directly tied to official government records managed by the National Registration Department. “This multi-stakeholder initiative also

He also acknowledged MCMC for its pivotal role in coordinating the rollout with all telecommunications companies. MyDigital ID CEO Nik Hisham Nik Ibrahim said mobile phone numbers are frequently misused for crimes such as scams and identity fraud. ”Earlier this year, reports showed that scam calls in 2024 had reached 2.98 million, nearly double the 1.63 million recorded in 2023. “By using a verified digital identity, we can