THE Local Government Development Ministry would act sternly against landlords who rent out narrow, “grave-like” rooms.

Its minister Nga Kor Ming said his ministry would issue warnings to landlords who violated the rules by renovating their houses without the approval of local authorities.

“The conditions of the rented premises are a danger to the lives of the tenants. They can lead to fire and mental health risks.

“For now, I will give these owners a chance. If they fail to comply with the law, we will not hesitate to take stern action in the near future,” he told reporters after officiating the ground-breaking ceremony at the Pasir Pinji temporary market site in Ipoh today.

Nga said landlords could be penalised under section 79 in the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.

Previously, a daily reported a shophouse in the Klang Valley renovated its top floor by building 38 capsule-like rooms, each measuring just 3.25sq m. – Bernama, October 15, 2023.