KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 22 -- Malaysia has taken its first legislative step to reshape ageing towns and cities with the long-awaited Urban Renewal Bill tabled in Parliament yesterday

The Bill, a first of its kind for the country, will be a comprehensive framework for redeveloping and rejuvenating old neighbourhoods and dilapidated flats - many of which were built more than 30 years ago and now face structural decay, poor maintenance, and safety risks.

If passed, the law will empower the federal and state governments to redevelop entire areas rather than just individual buildings.

This Bill includes clearer processes for land acquisition, compensation for affected owners and tenants and the creation of an Urban Renewal fund to support financ...