Illegally built structures at PJ flats pose fire risk

Residents of Flat PKNS Tapak Maha in Taman Datuk Harun, Petaling Jaya have violated strata property regulations by converting their ground floor units into complete houses. These transformed living spaces now include gardens, car porches, awnings, and gates placed outside designated plots. Some residents have even turned their extended areas into short- and long-term homestays. Additionally, empty plots of land on the property have been taken up by residents to build sheds for personal vehicles and storage.

Despite having the power to enforce regulations under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 and Strata Management Act 2013, the joint management body (JMB) of the flat claims that nothing can be done. According to JMB chairman Anuar Surau, the lack of funds to hire lawyers and demolish illegal structures has left the issue unresolved.

A long-time resident named Lin mentioned that illegal extensions are a sensitive topic in the area and that owners who have extended their homes and refuse to pay maintenance fees scold JMB representatives who try to address the issue. Another resident suggested that owners who have extended their units should pay more in maintenance fees and taxes since they have taken over extra space.

A resident staking a claim on an empty space by cementing it and even installing lighting to help brighten up the area.

During a visit to the flats, it was evident that some renovations had been extensive. It was also discovered that only a few unit owners had obtained individual strata titles. An owner who had illegally renovated her ground floor unit argued that she did so in response to her neighbor extending both the front and back porches of their unit. She expressed little concern over not being able to obtain a strata title in the future.

A lawyer familiar with strata matters clarified that unauthorized extensions prevent owners from applying for strata titles or making insurance claims in case of accidents. The lawyer emphasized that recognizing the rights of those who have illegally extended their homes is not logical, and the JMB’s responsibility is to manage and maintain common property before the issuance of strata titles.

Ihsan says the units with illegal extensions are also a fire trap.

The JMB can take action through the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) and file a case at the strata tribunal if the illegal extensions are not removed. Sarly Adre Sarkum, the immediate past president of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), agrees that these additions pose safety issues and put the building’s occupants at risk. Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar, a town planner, points out that the illegally extended units lack the necessary fire certification from the fire department.

In order to prevent ground floor unit owners from illegally extending their flats, Ihsan suggests that the government eliminate units on that level and utilize the space for parking or community recreation areas. He mentions that Singapore has successfully implemented this approach, which also improves ventilation in high-rise government housing and provides more space for community gatherings.