BY SHEILA SRI PRIYA

Nearby residents claim that the bungalow houses 30 people.

RESIDENTS of an affluent neighbourhood in Damansara Jaya claim that a bungalow in the neighbourhood has been converted to a hostel with more than 17 rooms, housing at least 30 occupants.

They said the bungalow, located in SS22A/4, had been used as a hostel for more than a year and they want the authorities to intervene.

The tenants were mostly students and labourers and due to the large numbers, rubbish was not properly disposed.

They also said there was constant noise up to the wee hours of the morning and motorcycles and bicycles were parked indiscriminately outside the premises.

Resident Abdul Manaf Shariff, who has been living in the neighbourhood for 38 years, said his biggest concern was fire.

“These occupants cook in many corners of the house and I fear a fire will break out,” said Abdul Manaf, who lives close to the bungalow.

He was also concerned for the safety of the female occupants in the house.

“There are different people going in and out of the house all the time and there are males and females.

The bungalow even has an out-house located in back of the premises.

“What if something happens to the girls? No one will know.

“The tenants should also think of their own safety,” he said.

Petaling Jaya councillor Wong Yuet Leng and several officers from the Petaling Jaya City Council visited the bungalow to check on the public complaint.

The gate to the premises was unlocked and the place looked tidy and the grass was cut.

But residents claimed that the place had been thoroughly cleaned just the day before the inspection and it would have been a mess otherwise.

Resident Andrew Lim said the bungalow had initially operated as an old folks home but ceased operations when the local authority intervened.

This was followed by the place being rented to multiple tenants.

“We have been stressed since then and it has become a nuisance to us.

“We have even seen fights among the tenants outside the house,” said Lim.

Rukun Tetangga SS22A Damansara Jaya had lodged an official report on the matter with the council in October last year.

Wong said she would revisit the case with the council authorities due to the numerous public complaints.

A council building control department spokesman said the council had issued notice to the owner related to the illegal extensions made inside the bungalow.

However, since the matter had not been addressed by the owner, the council would take legal action, the spokesman said.