MANAGEMENT committees (MC) of low and medium-cost flats should be proactive in dealing with errant homeowners who illegally extend and renovate their premises.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said too many flats were facing this issue, not just in Johor but all over the country.
It is thus very important for the MC to have a good understanding of their role and take the necessary action, he said.
“In fact, they could even lock up the premises of owners who failed to pay their maintenance fees, or bring the matter to court.
“The problem is that many of these committees do not have the resources to address this issue,” he acknowledged.
Mohd Jafni said the majority of illegal extensions involved low-cost flats, especially those over 20 years old.
“We do not see such a problem at people’s housing projects (PPR) as these buildings are closely monitored by the local authority.
“They are able to stop such constructions from being built.
“The situation is very different for privately-owned low-cost flats, especially those built decades ago.
“Some have seen a change in management multiple times and not all are active.
“It is also not easy to get homeowners to pay maintenance fees.
“There are committees that are only receiving fees from 30% of residents,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said that following complaints, illegal extensions and awnings of some 120 business premises in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah were demolished.
“Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) took action after receiving complaints about blockage of drains in the area due to the extensions.
“Business owners were given over a month to do the necessary but since they did not take any action, MBIP proceeded with the demolition,” he said.
He added that MBIP and other local councils would continue to take similar enforcement action against errant homeowners, under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) and Strata Management Act 2013 (Act 757).
“If the management committees fail to take action, local councils will have to step in.
“For now, we will focus on demolishing extensions and renovations that affect public safety,” he said.
Last year, MBIP mayor Datuk Haffiz Ahmad told StarMetro that legal action would be taken against owners of low and medium-cost flats in Johor Baru for putting up illegal structures or carrying out illegal renovations on their premises.
He said the illegal renovations could jeopardise the safety and stability of the buildings, including causing cracks or leaks.
“They might also obstruct firefighters during emergencies,” he added.
On landed properties, Haffiz said the building owner must get approval from MBIP before renovating their property.
He said those who had already carried out illegal home renovations could get approval from the city council if the works fulfilled all the existing guidelines.
However, Haffiz said the owners would be penalised for failing to seek prior approval from MBIP. — By VENESA DEVI
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