DBKL receives positive reaction on prohibiting internal wall partitions in apartments
SHAH ALAM - Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has garnered positive response to its initiative to prohibit the use of internal wall partitions as rooms in residential apartments.
This comes after DBKL issued a Circular outlining this prohibition for Residential and Commercial Buildings Stratified in the Federal Territory effective Aug 1.
According to DBKL's Commissioner Of Buildings (COB), homeowners failing to comply with these instructions could face action under the Strata Management Act and the Road Act, Ditch and Building 1974," it said in a statement.
COB will idnetify the offence through random checks and public complaints, it further said.
“DBKL's initiative received positive reaction from citizens as it raises space density and building issues,” it said.
In the second phase under the Roads, Drains and Buildings Act 1974, a notice will be issued if instructions or notices issued under the phase first are not obeyed.
The COB will extend the matter to the enforcement department for further action.
“An Enforcement Notice compound under Section 70 and Section 79, The Roads, Drains and Buildings Act 1974 will be issued to site owners to demolish the structure or submit an application to DBKL through the One Stop Centre (OSC).
For ongoing renovation cases, DBKL will issue a stop work order
under Section 70, Roads, Drains and Buildings Act 1974 for building a structure without approval.
Owners will be given 30 days to demolish the structure and failure to do so will see DBKL taking over the responsibility with the operating costs billed to the owner.
KLites could refer to the Building Control Department (JKB) and COB's Guidelines on Building Plan Submission for Interior Modification Proposals and Building Interior Partitions in KL to enforce the Strata Act and the Roads, Drains and Buildings Act 1974.
Commenting further, senior lawyer Datuk Joy Appukuttan said it is a good initiative as it controls the use of a building for the well being of the community living with strata titles.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) president Tan Kian Aun said the law's aim is to provide conducive living conditions for tenants and communities in apartments to prevent overcrowding and social issues.
