Skudai Rep Urban Renewal Act Can Solve Issues Of Shabby Flats

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Skudai assemblyperson Marina Ibrahim has voiced support for the proposed Urban Renewal Act, stressing that addressing the deteriorating condition of old public apartments is necessary.
The DAP representative shared her experience of struggling to resolve housing issues in her constituency, particularly with old flats that lack proper management.
“I see this as a solution to the problems in Skudai.
“Many old and problematic flats in Skudai will benefit. These public apartments are not PPR (People’s Housing Projects) and are not under government responsibility.
“Some have existed for nearly 40 years and are in extremely poor condition. Many have no management bodies, while those that do are often heavily in debt—some owing millions,” she wrote in a Facebook post today.
The bill, which has yet to be tabled in Parliament, has been met with fierce opposition, particularly from PAS, which claims it is a covert plan to displace urban poor communities, especially Malays and Indians.
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul RahmanMuda’s Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman also criticised the proposal, calling it a “land-grabbing act” as it allows the redevelopment approval threshold for strata properties to be reduced from 100 percent to 80 percent
However, Housing and Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming has assured that the Act will not marginalise any race and instead will add value to affected properties.
Existing laws insufficient
Marina dismissed claims that current laws are adequate to address long-standing housing issues, arguing that they are outdated and ineffective.
“Don’t say existing laws are enough. They can no longer solve problems from 40 years ago.
“I’ve raised the issue of rejuvenating flats multiple times in the state assembly to the point of exhaustion. People are probably tired of hearing me repeat the same concerns, but I keep pushing for answers. Yet, some still accuse us of doing nothing,” she added.
Marina cited Tun Aminah Apartments in Skudai as an example of a severely run-down housing area, describing the dire living conditions.
“Just look at Tun Aminah alone—it has 88 old, dilapidated flat blocks. How bad is it? Waste falls from broken pipes, the electrical wiring is in a terrible state, and the plumbing and sewerage are beyond repair.”
Skudai assemblyperson Marina IbrahimShe said residents often expect the government to step in, even when it is not legally responsible.
“There were power outages for three days due to faulty wiring, which should have been handled by the management body. Elderly residents and children suffered in the heat.
“Technically, it’s not the government’s responsibility due to unpaid maintenance fees, and I could have just ignored it. But I couldn’t bring myself to do that—so in the end, who bears the burden? We do, trying to find solutions,” she said. - Mkini

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