JOHOR BAHRU, July 30 (Bernama) -- The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) today launched an integrated enforcement operation against nine premises in the city converted into overcrowded rental accommodation, commonly known as ‘rumah sarang burung’.
Johor JBPM director Senior Assistant Fire Commissioner Siti Rohani Nadir said the operation aimed to ensure that premises modified without approval complied with fire safety requirements and did not endanger occupants.
She said the operation followed a decision by the ‘Rumah Sarang Burung’ Task Force to step up enforcement against high-risk premises to prevent fires that could result in loss of life.
“These are premises that have been converted into multiple rental rooms without going through the proper approval process,” she told reporters after the operation around Larkin today.
She said one of the premises inspected was originally a shophouse but had been converted into about 15 rental rooms, each measuring about seven square metres and occupied by local residents, including families.
Siti Rohani said inspections covered emergency exits, fire protection systems and occupant density, with separate notices to be issued under the Fire Services Act 1988 for each fire safety offence detected.
She stressed that the operation was intended to improve safety standards rather than punish owners.
She also urged building owners to obtain the necessary approvals before carrying out renovations, adding that the operation was conducted with the cooperation of the police and Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB).
Meanwhile, a 52-year-old tenant, identified only as Diana, said she had been renting one of the cramped rooms for the past two years because she could not afford a house with higher rent after her application for public housing was unsuccessful.
She pays RM500 a month from her RM2,000 salary as a People's Volunteer Corps (RELA) member to support her family.