KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 -- After more than a decade in the making, Malaysia's much-anticipated Urban Renewal Bill is expected to be tabled in the upcoming July parliamentary sitting.

The Bill aims to restore the vibrancy of old areas, provide affordable housing, enhance public facilities and revitalise architecture.

However, despite these goals, it still faces resistance on the ground.

PAS Youth recently announced a protest set for June 14 in the Klang Valley to oppose the Bill.

The group argues that the legislation could open the door to exploitation by developers and endanger vulnerable communities.

So why does Malaysia need an Urban Renewal Act (URA)?

Many of the country's buildings were constructed during the post-independence prope...