Kota Damansara residents say neighbour yet to tear down illegal extension despite MBPJ notice

Residents also complain that the houseowner’s act of having cars parked at the end of the cul-de-sac (right) makes it difficult for them to make a U-turn to exit the street.

SEVERAL residents in Taman Bayu Perdana, Kota Damansara, are unhappy with the owner of a double-storey terrace house who built a wall that extended beyond its end-lot boundary and the authorities’ lack of action in the matter.

The residents claimed that the wall surrounded a garden and dog kennel.

“The area where the wall has been built was meant to be an open space overlooking the main road.

“The residents’ view is now cut off because of this structure,” said Azfar, 31, who was speaking on behalf of the group.

“Our row of about 10 houses ends in a cul-de-sac.

“The same owner has several cars parked outside his house, even though there is space within his compound.

“This makes it difficult for us to make a U-turn to exit the street.”

He said the residents had lodged complaints with Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) since the wall was built over five years ago, but the council only recently took action.

“We were informed that MBPJ had given 14 days to the houseowner to demolish the illegal structure.

“The notice was dated March 2016, yet the wall still stands.

“The structure is illegal since it occupies state land and MBPJ has issued a notice.

“But why is the council slow in taking action and why is it not demolishing the structure?” Azfar questioned.

Kota Damansara assemblyman Halimaton Saadiah Bohan said she was unaware of the issue as the complaint was lodged directly with MBPJ and her office was not informed about it.

“I advise all property owners who want to make any modification to their home, building or similar large structures, to follow the conditions set by the local authority,” she added.

MBPJ public relations officer Zainun Zakaria said the council’s Building Control Department had visited the site on Feb 17 following a complaint sent to the mayor’s office.

“The team found out that the houseowner had built a kennel on a road reserve and gated part of the space for his own use.

“Part of the structure was also built on a hillslope.

“A portion of the wall was built by the developer before the house was sold, but the owner proceeded to have some renovation work done.

“The council issued a notice on Feb 26 for the owner to demolish the kennel and open the gated area for public use,” said Zainun.

The notice to demolish was issued under Section 72 (1) of the Road, Drainage and Building Act 1974.

“The owner sent a letter of appeal dated March 3 to request for more time to demolish the illegal structures.

“However, during a visit by MBPJ on April 13, we found that only the kennel had been demolished.

“The council will follow up on this by demolishing the gate,” said Zainun, adding that the demolition could take place anytime.

Zainun said the owner would be billed for the demolition and fined for not complying with the council’s notice.

The Act states that anyone who failed to comply with the requirements of the notice was liable to a fine not exceeding RM250 for every day that the offence is continued after expiry of the period specified in the notice.