A stop-work order was issued and the houses under renovation were sealed off by the council. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
RESIDENTS’ complaints have led Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) to issue stop-work orders against the owners of two houses under renovation, as MBJB suspected the buildings were being converted for commercial use.
MBJB Taman Pelangi/Taman Sentosa zone councillor Sally Ng said residents filed complaints two months ago about the two housing units along Jalan Abiad in Taman Tebrau Jaya, which were undergoing construction at the time.
“Judging by the renovation and structures installed, it looked like the owners were planning to open up carwash shops at the residential lots.
Ng urges residents facing disruptions from carwash shops to lodge complaints with MBJB.“We found out that the owners did not have MBJB’s approval to conduct the renovations, so prompt action was taken,” she told StarMetro.
The city council issued a stop-work notice against the home owners and sealed the units, she said.
Ng said a red notice – which ordered all construction work at the site to cease immediately since no approval had been obtained from MBJB – was also put up at each unit.
The renovation constituted an offence under Section 70 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.
She said that so far, none of the homeowners had come forward to address the matter with MBJB.
Asked whether houses could be used for commercial activities, Ng said the city council allowed the conversion of status for certain housing units.
“Houses located in the first row by a main road could be converted into commercial units, such as the units along Jalan Serampang in Taman Sri Tebrau.
“The units were converted into bridal studios, cafes, a pharmacy and wellness centres,” she said.
According to her, the conversion of status from residential to commercial lots typically took between nine and 12 months.
Ng also acknowledged that if not handled well, the mushrooming of 24-hour businesses such as car wash could cause disruption to residents and road users in the area.
She urged residents to lodge complaints with MBJB or to her so that the matter could be raised during council meetings.
“There is strength in numbers.
“When there are many complaints against such businesses, the matter can be discussed in-depth by MBJB’s licensing and enforcement committees for action to be taken,” she added.
The councillor said she was ready to assist residents and could be reached via 011-1167 8711.
Alternatively, residents can channel their complaints and suggestions to MBJB through its online public complaints management system at mbjb.spab.gov.my — By YEE XIANG YUN
