PUTRAJAYA: Local authorities must carry out regular enforcement on premises that are converted into cramped living spaces for rental purposes, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
These overcrowded accommodation, which are rented out, have been dubbed “sarang burung” as they resembled bird’s nests.
Periodic enforcement remains necessary, she said.
Such cramped living spaces have been highlighted in the news lately.
In July, an operation codenamed Ops Sarang Burung undertaken by the Fire and Rescue Department found rooftops of buildings in Kuala Lumpur being illegally converted into rental units.
It found 27 rooms across three buildings packed with tenants.
Asked whether similar enforcement seen in Kuala Lumpur would be carried out in Putrajaya, Yeoh said it would depend on whether such cases appear in Putrajaya.
“As of now, we have not officially identified such a situation in Putrajaya,” she told reporters after a prize presentation ceremony for the Quality Management of Stratified Development Schemes yesterday.
Yeoh also said that enforcement personnel across all local authorities must be properly supervised to ensure integrity in carrying out their duties.
“If enforcement officers are not properly supervised, they are open to abuse of power,” she said.
She also called on the local authorities of Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan to all pay close attention to their respective enforcement units to ensure such abuses do not occur.
As for the awards ceremony, Yeoh said the initiative encourages homeowners to pay assessment tax promptly while recognising high-performing management committees (MCs) and joint management bodies (JMBs).
“The payment of assessment tax is the duty of every homeowner. But at the same time, we want to celebrate those who do it willingly and promptly.”
Yeoh said this year’s programme introduced a new category recognising the most improved MC and JMB.
She said that recognising well-managed properties also benefits residents by boosting confidence of prospective tenants and buyers.
“When you manage a property well and receive an award, it increases the value of the property.
“People will want to rent there and live there because the awards clearly show that the property is properly managed,” she added.
