The Rise of Illegal Modifications in Low-Cost Flats
In various low-cost flats across Johor, there has been a growing trend of illegal modifications that have transformed standard units into structures resembling terrace houses or standalone properties. These changes include the addition of parking spaces, enclosed balconies, makeshift kitchens, and storage areas built over air wells. Such alterations have raised significant concerns about safety, structural integrity, and overall maintenance.
A Longstanding Issue
The problem of illegal extensions has persisted for decades, particularly in areas like Skudai. Norashikin Ali, a clerk for the Management Committee (MC) of Taman Ungku Tun Aminah Flats Blocks 45 to 54, highlighted that many of these modifications existed long before the committee took over more than 20 years ago. She noted that no action was taken during the developer’s time, leading residents to become bolder in their construction activities.
- Some residents installed grilles on every floor, built vehicle shelters, and extended the front and back of their units.
- These changes have caused major issues for the management team, especially when it comes to maintenance work.
- When units are extended to the back and cover manholes or block drainage access, it becomes challenging for sewerage companies or the MC to reach clogged pipes.
Norashikin also mentioned that a fire in 2010 exposed another danger: iron gates and corridor barriers that hindered emergency access. This led to the Fire and Rescue Department banning such installations.
Efforts to Address the Problem
The MC has issued several notices this year urging residents to voluntarily remove unauthorized structures. While some complied by dismantling their grilles or corridor railings, only one or two units completely removed their front and back extensions. The MC plans to issue a second notice and may request enforcement action from Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) if residents continue to ignore the instructions.
Block 59 resident Heng Chon Poh, 69, disapproves of the unauthorised renovations. He stated that even though he lives on the ground floor, he would not build additional structures because it is inconvenient for others. He pointed out that some residents have covered drains with their extensions, causing bad smells and blockages.
Challenges in Enforcement
According to Block 62 MC secretary Chan See Siong, the 87 blocks with 4,089 units were constructed in the 1980s as low-cost private housing. Illegal extensions are common, especially for ground-floor units. Many residents extended their units without local council approval, but the committee lacked the power to take legal action. It was only after a fire broke out at Block 66 that MBIP started to take notice.
- A town hall meeting was held earlier this year, after which MBIP instructed residents to remove locked corridor grilles across all blocks in stages.
- Some residents refused, so MBIP dismantled the illegal extension at other blocks.
- For now, the city council is taking enforcement action gradually, block by block, before reaching theirs.
Similar Issues in Taman Perling
Similar illegal renovations are also seen at the low-cost flats in Jalan Camar 13 of Taman Perling, where several ground-floor units have been converted extensively. The Jalan Camar 13 flats comprise 11 blocks and 271 units. Resident Mohamad Anuar, 25, said the renovations clearly violated strata laws and were carried out without local authority approval.
- They infringe on others’ rights and cause inconvenience.
- Their actions affect daily lives because the modifications block emergency exits and encroach on parking spaces.
Impact on Neighbors
Factory supervisor Wong Kum Wai, 47, who has lived there for 15 years, said the illegal renovations had also affected neighbors with disabilities. Some wheelchair users are forced to take longer routes because certain homeowners have taken up communal walkways when constructing their personal parking spaces. On top of that, some have converted motorcycle parking spaces into makeshift huts, inconveniencing others.
Some ground floor unit owners have built shelters for their cars. Wong said weak enforcement had worsened the situation. Residents have filed complaints before, but no action is taken. This lack of enforcement has encouraged irresponsible owners to continue with such illegal renovations.
Concerns About Building Integrity
Sales executive Fatimahtul Zahrah Md Noh, 54, said most of her neighbors began carrying out renovations after living there for five to 10 years. Apart from violating the law, she said such renovations compromised the building’s structure and changed its overall design.
- On top of parking and emergency exit issues, they have also created other problems.
- The illegal structures have made the buildings look messy and disorganised.
- It is unsightly because the upper floors still look like flats, yet the ground floor units have been altered to look like landed properties.
She reiterated that such actions were unfair to other residents.
