Hannah Yeoh calls for regular enforcement against "bird's nest rooms"

PUTRAJAYA - Enforcement actions against premises converted into overcrowded rental accommodation, commonly known as "bilik sarang burung”, must be conducted regularly to ensure compliance with stipulated laws.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said that responsibility must be given serious attention by all local authorities and, at the same time, accompanied by thorough monitoring of enforcement officers to prevent the occurrence of abuse of power when carrying out their duties.

"Under my watch, I believe the president of Putrajaya (Corporation), the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and the chief executive officer of Labuan Corporation must all pay close attention to their enforcement units.

"If not properly monitored, it will be vulnerable to abuse of power,” she told reporters after attending the 2025 Star Rating Awards for Quality Management of Stratified Development Schemes for the Federal Territory of Putrajaya here today.

"Bilik sarang burung” refers to premises that have been illegally converted into cramped rental units, often with high occupancy and posing a significant fire safety risk.

Recently, the media reported that 502 premises nationwide have been identified as having undergone extreme makeovers and converted into rental units based on the "bilik sarang burung” concept from 2023 until early this year.

Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad was reported to have said that this practice has been found to be prevalent in major cities in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor, due to the high demand for affordable accommodation among workers, students and the middle-income group.

Regarding the event, Hannah said the organisation of the awards ceremony and lucky draw for property owners who paid their assessment tax early was an important initiative to encourage a culture of timely and disciplined payment while contributing to the development of Putrajaya.

She said the payment of assessment tax is the responsibility of every houseowner, adding that efforts to appreciate those who make payments on time could encourage others to fulfil their obligations without delay. - BERNAMA