Shoplots that have been illegally converted into overcrowded rental accommodation, commonly referred to as “bird nest houses”, could become deadly traps if a fire breaks out, the Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has warned.
The warning followed a joint enforcement operation involving JBPM Johor, the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which inspected several high-density accommodation premises across Johor Bahru on Thursday.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Senior Assistant Fire Commissioner Siti Rohani Nadir said investigations found that many of the premises had been renovated without approval after owners handed over the buildings to agents, who partitioned the units into numerous small rooms for rent.
She said the rooms, measuring between nine and 12 square metres, were rented out for between RM350 and RM550 per month to local workers, Malaysians working in Singapore and families seeking more affordable accommodation.
Inspections revealed that many of the premises had blocked emergency exits, only a single staircase, and inadequate lighting, ventilation and fire safety features.
“These conditions are extremely dangerous because if a fire occurs, occupants could become trapped and face great difficulty escaping,” she said during a press conference after the operation at Dataran Larkin.
Siti Rohani said one of the inspected units contained 15 small rooms housing an estimated more than 20 occupants, highlighting the severe overcrowding and the unsuitability of the premises for residential use.
She said any renovation that changes the use of a shoplot into a hostel or rental accommodation must first obtain approval from JBPM and the relevant local authority, but many owners had failed to comply with these requirements.
JBPM will issue notices for every offence detected, including blocked escape routes, the absence of emergency lighting and the failure to install proper fire protection systems. She said a single premises could receive more than 10 notices, depending on the number of safety violations identified.
Owners who fail to comply with the notices within the stipulated period may face prosecution under the Fire Services Act 1988.
A total of nine premises were inspected during Thursday’s operation. However, authorities believe many more buildings are being used as illegal high-density accommodation, and similar enforcement operations will be expanded to other districts to safeguard the safety of occupants.
