KLANG: The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) on Wednesday (Aug 26) raided nine shophouses around Jalan Pasar Baru, Meru, that had been illegally converted into densely packed rental rooms in an integrated operation, Op Sarang Burung.
State JBPM director Datuk Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail said the operation, involving the Royal Malaysia Police, Klang Royal City Council and Selangor Immigration Department, focused on small rental rooms occupied by large numbers of foreigners, particularly Myanmar refugees.
Wan Md Razali said the unauthorised renovations not only changed the original function of the shophouses into residential units, but also created a death trap as emergency escape routes were obstructed.
"We found that shophouses structures measuring between 20 and 75 feet had been modified into eight small rooms to accommodate several families of foreign migrants working in nearby areas. Security grilles had been installed at the front and rear, while the only staircase was obstructed, effectively eliminating an escape route in the event of a fire.
"The risk is extremely critical as just two weeks ago, on Aug 12, a fire at a shophouse of similar design claimed two lives, involving a father and his young child who were trapped in a bathroom due to thick smoke,” he said at a press conference after the operation here today.
Elaborating, he said the department would not collude with premises or building owners who put profits before the law and the lives of occupants.
All the premises inspected were issued notices under Section 8 of the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341) to remove fire hazards, as well as Section 58 of the same Act, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years for each offence, including closure of the premises upon conviction.
According to Wan Md Razali, building owners were given a specified period, depending on the offence, such as 60 days to demolish illegal structures or a shorter period to clear obstructed staircases.
"Routine inspections and integrated operations such as this will continue periodically throughout the districts and state to ensure that residential and business premises remain under control and safe,” he said. - Bernama
