Some houses along Jalan 18/14 in Taman Kanagapuram have been converted into commercial premises. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
RESIDENTS of Taman Kanagapuram in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, want action taken against businesses flouting the rules in their neighbourhood.
They said the situation has worsened over the past 20 years, claiming the traders operating there had failed to meet regulatory requirements
Taman Kanagapuram Residents Association (TKRA) chairman Dr B. Kishore said the neighbourhood had existed since the 1950s.
“We have seen an increase in the number of businesses here and a number of them do not have valid licences,” Dr Kishore claimed.
Dr Kishore says some businesses are operating without adequate fire and safety compliance.
On Nov 28, a three-storey hardware shop caught fire, he said.
“While no lives were lost, the incident raised concerns over fire risks posed by unregulated commercial operations in residential neighbourhoods.
“Several businesses are operating within the narrow Jalan 18/14 without adequate fire and safety compliance,” he alleged.
Dr Kishore said the TKRA had lodged numerous complaints over the years with the authorities, including the Petaling Jaya mayor’s office, but the issue had not been resolved.
Fines of up to RM1,000 imposed on these businesses had proven to be ineffective as a deterrent, he noted.
Taman Kanagapuram, he said, comprised a large number of retirees who are frustrated that their once peaceful neighbourhood had become worse over the years.
“Unchecked commercialisation and deeply flawed governance have impacted our living conditions.
“The businesses on Jalan 18/14 include hardware stores, secondhand car dealers, warehouses, old folks homes, event spaces and most recently, a nursery.”
Dr Kishore criticised Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) “limited commercial” classification, which allowed some types of businesses to be set up in residential areas.
This, he said, severely compromised safety, property value and liveability in the area.
Dr Kishore said many commercial establishments such as warehouses, vehicle storage and other types of businesses were unsuitable for residential areas.
He called on MBPJ to suspend all commercial activities without valid licence, pending a full compliance review.
“Publish and enforce a transparent zoning and compliance register and form a joint residents-government task force to monitor development within residential areas,” he suggested.
When contacted, Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon said he would look into the matter.
