• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.469-486
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• 2017

Economy-based urban redevelopment is the main priority in Malaysia, but has resulted in social problems such as gentrification, loss of heritage and identity, inequity, etc. Hence, it is crucial for the government to seek other alternatives rather than being solely reliant on urban redevelopment. Neighborhood renewal is a strategy involving the integration of redevelopment, rehabilitation, revitalization and preservation that aims to improve deprived areas using a more holistic approach. The aim of this paper is to review the neighborhood renewal policies in developed countries and to identify those elements that can be adopted in Malaysia. This study is conducted via a literature review. It was found that neighborhood renewal which integrates people-based, place-based and system-based policies highlights the importance of diversity, thereby aiming for resource optimization, community engagement and urban governance with the focal point of the fair, equity and systematic provision of resources. This paper concluded that neighborhood renewal in Malaysia should be initiated by locals with an emphasis on real local participation and a sustainable funding system. The government and local authorities should be observers rather than implementers.