Authorities uncovered 27 illegally partitioned rooftop rooms across three buildings in Kuala Lumpur city centre, with nearly 100 occupants exposed to serious fire risks.
Three buildings in Kuala Lumpur city centre have been found with illegally constructed rooftop extensions that were converted into cramped rental units for foreign nationals, with monthly rents starting from as low as RM200. The operation was carried out on Tuesday morning by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), together with the police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), following a fatal fire along Jalan Tun H.S. Lee last month.
Investigations found that the rooftops of the three buildings had been illegally extended using makeshift structures before being divided into 27 small rooms, each housing multiple tenants.
High fire risk
JBPM Fire Safety Division director Datuk Nor Azam said the rooms ranged from approximately 6ft by 4ft to 10ft by 10ft. The largest units, rented for around RM800 a month, could accommodate at least four people, while the smallest rooms, rented for about RM200, were only large enough for two single beds.
He said the structures were built using combustible materials such as wood, plywood and gypsum boards, which offered little fire resistance. The fire risk was further heightened as many tenants reportedly cooked inside their rooms.
Enforcement action
The operation comes weeks after a fire at a building on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee claimed the life of a foreign national and trapped 12 people. The building was believed to have contained a similar illegal rooftop extension, raising concerns over inadequate escape routes, overcrowding and unsafe living conditions. Nor Azam said notices would be issued under Section 8 of the Fire Services Act 1988, requiring building owners to remove fire hazards. Those who fail to comply could face court action, including an order to cease operations.
DBKL has also ordered the owners to demolish the illegal rooftop structures within seven days or face legal action.
Follow Wah Piang for more.
