ENHANCING THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERGROUND LAND: ISSUES ON LEGAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS

19th WORLD CONFERENCE OF THE ASSOCIATED RESEARCH CENTRES FOR THE URBAN UNDERGROUND SPACE, Belgrade, Serbia, November 4-7, 2025. (Paper No: 6.6.72,  pp. 910-921)

 

AUTOR(I) / AUTHOR(S): Ahmad Hamidi Mohamed, Noorfajri Ismail, Kamilah Wati Mohd, Saiful Aman Haji Sulaiman, Noorasiah Sulaiman

 

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DOI:  10.46793/ACUUS2025.6.6.72

SAŽETAK / ABSTRACT:

Underground development has been the way forward in the current development approach, especially in Malaysia. However, underground development has legal, social, and economic impacts on the nation’s growth. This study examined the importance and issues involving current legal provisions, social concerns and cost or compensation for land acquisition. The study embarks on the qualitative methodology of doctrinal study and thematic content analysis from legal documents and legislation. Interviews and focus group discussions have been conducted with two (2) subject matter experts recognised by the Government of Malaysia in land acquisitions and land legislation, and engaged with land administrators for every state. The study also analyses the current legal provision and practice for compensation payment in underground land acquisition through case law. The study finds that the current ownership and rights are provided in the National Land Code of Malaysia, but the issue is on the implementation and decision of the State Authority in alienating the underground land. In addition, it is found that underground development needs to be readily accepted by the nation, in all aspects such as planning, legal provision and compensation for the underground space. Hence, the use of the physical underground land and the legal aspect must be in parallel with the development approach to provide a balance of needs.

KLJUČNE REČI / KEYWORDS:

acquisition, development, land, legal, underground

PROJEKAT / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

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