KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association (KLRA+SD) has called on the government to seize the deferment of the Urban Renewal Bill as an opportunity to get the public more directly involved in shaping the legislation.

"We call upon the government to use this deferment period wisely by creating avenues for local residents, professional bodies and civil society organisations to contribute meaningfully to the bill's development," it said in a statement today.

It said resistance to the bill in recent days did not reflect a rejection of urban renewal, but concerns over flaws such as compensation, participation and consent thresholds.

KLRA+SD added that genuine engagement will not only enhance the quality of the legislation but also rebuild public trust in the policymaking process.

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The group said the bill should not be rushed but refined through two-way dialogue with stakeholders.

The association also said while it supported sustainable urban renewal to upgrade living standards, reforms must protect the interests of all, especially vulnerable communities.

It warned that a policy of such scale requires safeguards, transparency and equitable outcomes for property owners and tenants.

KLRA+SD described the deferment to the next parliamentary sitting as the correct step to allow a more inclusive policy to take shape.

The Urban Renewal Bill, which was slated for its second reading on Aug 28, had received resistance since it was tabled in Parliament from both sides of the aisle, who urged the government to delay its second and third reading.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had also come under fire from civil society groups and residents' associations, who said the bill, if passed, "opens the door to abuse" and grants the minister sweeping powers on redevelopment projects.