Illegal additions at low-cost flats not only violate strata laws but also pose serious safety risks and can compromise the structural stability of ageing buildings, a property expert warns.
Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Najib Razali, a property economics and finance expert at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said many modifications were carried out without professional input, thus leading to hidden structural dangers.
“The flats were designed with specific load limits and drainage systems,” he told StarMetro.
“When residents add concrete slabs, iron fencing or rooftop extensions without consulting engineers beforehand, it alters the building’s load distribution.”
He warned that the additional weight could cause cracks and water seepage over time, particularly in older flats with poor maintenance.
“Even if the structure looks stable, long-term pressure on beams and columns can lead to serious damage.
“Once water starts seeping in, the repair cost multiplies, and by then, there is also a possibility that nobody wants to take responsibility,” he said.
Muhammad Najib noted that many occupants were unaware that strata ownership meant shared ownership.
“People think that because they bought the unit, they can do anything with it.
“But any alteration affecting the building’s exterior or common property requires written approval from the management corporation or joint management body (JMB); otherwise, it is an offence,” he said.
He stressed that enforcement alone was insufficient without improving residents’ awareness.
“The goal is not to punish but to protect lives.
“Education helps residents understand the risks their actions pose to others,” he said.
Muhammad Najib pointed out that this was especially important as Johor Baru was pursuing its smart city vision, where unapproved modifications could disrupt urban planning, digital mapping, and infrastructure systems.
“Illegal extensions interfere with digital utility mapping and safety sensors, undermining sustainability and public safety goals,” he said.
He suggested that future housing policies should include legal and flexible renovation systems, such as digital permit applications or modular layouts, to meet residents’ needs while maintaining safety.
Meanwhile, Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor clarified that local councils often delayed enforcement because of the lack of formal complaints from JMBs or management committees.
“Once a report is lodged, the council will act under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which allows stop-work or demolition orders.
“A special Commissioner of Buildings task force could also be formed to monitor recurring issues,” he said.
Mohd Jafni stressed that extensions or renovations at low-cost flats were strictly prohibited because the flats were built on common property jointly owned under strata law.
“Corridors, air wells and open areas are shared spaces.
“Any added structures, such as kitchens, storerooms or gates constructed in these areas, are illegal.
“Residents must remember that these rules exist to protect lives and the long-term safety of their homes and occupants,” he said.
