Ling said land subsidence was particularly prevalent in Sibu due to its swampy terrain, The Borneo Post reported.

“The state government should begin exploring a Sarawak-specific URA, which should prioritise the interests of the people and focus on a win-win approach,” he was quoted as saying.

He said that older houses with ironwood or belian foundations had been affected by land subsidence or underground water loss, causing the foundations to deteriorate.

“This in turn has caused structural damage to houses, including cracked walls as well as collapsed walls and fences, resulting in financial losses for homeowners and making the houses uninhabitable,” he added.

Ling said the affected areas include Bukit Assek, Jalan Chama, and the low-cost housing area in Taman Indah.

He said while the existing Bukit Asek Redevelopment Plan was a form of urban renewal, it did not provide a legal framework for such projects.

“Urban renewal laws are primarily aimed at addressing issues such as ageing town areas, deteriorating buildings, and inadequate infrastructure for future demands.

“Since many ageing town areas are located in central urban zones, they will significantly impact the quality of life and the overall aesthetic of a city,” he said.

The federal-level Urban Renewal Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament by June or July.