Cramped conditions: A file pic of an officer inspecting the premises of a site housing shoebox rooms for rent in Taman Maluri, Cheras.
Authorities put an end to ‘inhumane’ cubicles in Cheras shoplot after raid
CHERAS: Two months ago, a “capsule-like” accommodation facility in a four-storey shoplot here was found to house up to 78 cubicles offering living conditions that have been described as inhumane.
Following official crackdown, most of the partitions have been removed, and the top three floors of this lot in Taman Maluri are now cleared of these oppressive cubicles that do not even offer adequate ventilation.
Things started to change quickly following the raid by Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department on Oct 19, where notices were issued to the owner for violating fire safety guidelines.
During a post-inspection of the premises yesterday, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said this will be a stern warning to business operators to ensure renovations done on the building have proper permits from the authorities.
“Such rooms in these premises that resemble ‘bird nests’ are inhumane, and we prioritise the safety and well-being of the people.
“We are sending a strong message to the people that this government walks the talk.
Room to breathe: The area once containing shoebox rooms now empty following a crackdown in Taman Maluri, Cheras. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
“We do not want another case of the tahfiz fire in 2017 that took the lives of 23 students to happen again,” he told a press conference at the site.
Following the raid in October, a task force was formed by the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue department on Oct 26 to crack down on such premises that are usually rented out to foreign workers.
From Oct 26 to Dec 11, a total of 464 notices were issued to 85 premises that had violated the Fire Services Act 1999 (Act 341).
Offences include the absence of fire fighting equipment or fire safety installations (198 notices), faulty fire fighting and safety equipment (124 notices), insufficient escape route (56 notices), obstruction to fire fighters and usage of fire-hazardous material (40 notices), illegal renovations that hamper escape efforts (36 notices), and congested entertainment and public space (10 notices).
Notices were also issued to two premises in Kuala Lumpur to stop operating as such structures were built without following fire safety procedures.
Under Section 10 of the Act, those who fail to comply with the requirement of a fire-hazard abatement notice served to them will be liable to a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
The person shall also be liable to a further fine of RM100 for each day the offence is repeated or continues after the conviction.
