BY YVONNE T. NATHAN
SAFETY hazards caused by illegal renovations at Hicks Flat in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, have left residents waiting for months for action to be taken by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Hicks Flat in Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang has been standing since 1963 with a community hall at its basement level and a carpark for residents located at the ground floor.
Residents said in May 2016, the master tenant made claims of taking over the joint management body (JMB) for changes made to the ground floor.
Since then, the former carpark has been turned into a commercial centre with five businesses that include a couple of restaurants, a convenience store and a nail salon.
The alterations took place without prior discussions with residents and despite a letter by DBKL on June 8 confirming the renovations were not approved. The businesses have been operating since July.
The residents are worried the renovations may pose a safety threat.
Ng See Gong, 72, said several issues had surfaced since the renovations proceeded.
“There are about 240 people living in the 30 units here, with an average of about eight people per unit.
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“But now that the entrance to the main building is only 1.2m wide, what happens if there is a fire? There is not enough space for people to get out quickly,” said Ng, who moved into his flat in 2004.
“The sewerage pipes along the ceiling of the ground floor have been sealed off.
“Three weeks ago, one of the apartments was flooded because the main sewerage pipe was blocked; how are they to rectify the problem?” he questioned, adding that rubbish chutes and water pipes were also closed off.
“And we have been forced to park by the roadside near our flats, so now I have six summonses,” he added.
Ng is also worried that the renovations might affect their strata title application because the building’s structure had been altered.
“Some unit owners and residents were advised to take legal action.
“If the JMB refuses to meet and resolve the issues, then the residents will leave it to DBKL to tear down the illegal renovations. We hope DBKL will act accordingly and professionally,” he said.
Bukit Bintang MCA public service team chief Patrick Leong called on DBKL to give Hicks Flat residents answers on how it had allowed renovations and businesses to operate without approvals.
“I hope DBKL will take action against the people responsible for these illegal structures because some of these now permanent structures have blocked emergency exits,” he said.
DBKL, Hicks Flat master tenant and the JMB could not be reached for comment.
