Illegal extensions rife at Taman Pandan Jaya low-cost flats

A ground-floor flat unit in Taman Pandan Jaya, Ampang,which has been extended beyond its permitted lot. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star

Many low-cost flats in Taman Pandan Jaya, Ampang, Selangor, have been renovated beyond each unit’s allotted space.

While some residents defend the renovations as they provide much-needed living space, others say the extensions are an eyesore and potentially hazardous.

Michael James, 60, said the situation had worsened over the past few years as more residents started illegally renovating ground-floor units.

“They extend their living space into common areas, obstructing drainage.

“Their actions can also compromise the building’s structural integrity as these types of renovations are not allowed,” he told StarMetro.

Michael, a unit owner, said his complaints to Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and its Commissioner of Buildings (COB) department had fallen on deaf ears.

He added that some residents even put up makeshift parking structures at the carpark to “reserve” certain spots.

“The whole area is cramped and the structures pose danger if a fire breaks out.

“The authorities must take action before something untoward happens,” he said.

Michael said many residents opted not to lodge complaints for fear of reprisal.

However, another resident, who did not want to be identified, said the extensions were necessary as the units there were too small.

“Each unit is only about 500sq ft, with two rooms and a bathroom.

“There are five people living in my unit and we had to expand the space to have another sleeping area,” he said, adding that none of his neighbours complained when he renovated his unit six years ago.

The Taman Pandan Jaya flats comprise 72 blocks with 48 low-cost, nine medium low-cost and 15 medium-cost.

According to MPAJ, the last time it took action to demolish structures built without approval at the flats there was in 2010 and 2011.

MPAJ Buildings and Architecture Department director Ahmad Alhairi Mohamed Yusuf said it was tricky to demolish completed extensions.

“If we get reports during construction, we will immediately come in to instruct the owners to demolish the extensions or we will do it if the owners refuse.

“But, once the work is completed, it is not so straightforward as we could jeopardise a building’s structure during demolition,” he said.

In May 2022, enforcement action by MPAJ on a partially built illegal extension at Flat PKNS AU3 in Taman Keramat was widely praised, but many noted that there was no action on completed extensions.

A statement from the Public Relations and Secretariat Division said MPAJ would issue notices to unit owners to dismantle or demolish unapproved structures.

“Unit owners are advised to cooperate in dismantling the built structures themselves before enforcement action is carried out.

“Demolition will be done if there is no action from the owner after the notice period.

“Immediate demolition will be carried out on structures under construction if done without approval,” it said.

Action will be taken under Section 72 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), it added.

MPAJ also confirmed that individual parking structures were not allowed at strata areas and similar action would be taken.

In 2019, StarMetro quoted then Selangor housing and urban living committee chairman Haniza Talha as saying that there were plans for a redevelopment of the low-cost flats.

The proposal included demolishing and rebuilding new flats on the land, while developing additional housing for sale on a portion of the land.

However, MPAJ stated that there were no redevelopment proposals for the flats from any parties at this time.