JOHOR BARU: The Fire and Rescue Department is stepping up efforts to clamp down on illegally converted accommodations that fail to meet fire safety requirements, says state director Siti Rohani Nadir.
She said such premises, commonly known as "bird's nest" hostels, were often created by converting shoplots and partitioning them into numerous small rental rooms without obtaining the necessary approvals.
"The modifications can result in blocked escape routes, inadequate ventilation, poor lighting and the absence of proper fire safety systems.
"Many of these premises have only a single staircase. If a fire breaks out, occupants may not have an alternative escape route, increasing the risk of them becoming trapped.
"There have been cases where people have died after being trapped in such hostels when a fire broke out," she told reporters after a joint operation with the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and police at Jalan Dataran Larkin here on Thursday (July 30).
Siti Rohani said the operation aims to identify fire hazards at illegally modified premises used as accommodation and ensure building owners comply with fire safety requirements.
Nine premises suspected of operating such illegal hostels around Johor Baru will be inspected during the operation, which is expected to end on Thursday evening.
The first building was a former shoplot that had been converted into a hostel with 15 rental rooms.
"The rooms, measuring about seven to 10 square metres each, were rented out for between RM350 and RM500 a month, with some occupied by individuals while others housed couples and families," she said.
Siti Rohani added that owners would be given time to rectify the hazards before further enforcement action is taken.
"If the owner fails to comply within the stipulated period, we can proceed with prosecution in court under the Fire Services Act 1988," she said.
Under the nation's laws, those who fail to comply with fire safety requirements can be fined up to RM5,000 or jailed upon conviction.
On July 17, the department's fire safety division director Datuk Norazam Khamis said it was expanding inspections of illegal "bird's nest" hostels to other states where similar cases are detected.
Norazam said the department was conducting intelligence gathering and on-site inspections to identify premises suspected of being used as unapproved accommodation.
He added that inspections were being carried out in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor under Ops Sarang Burung to assess fire safety risks.
