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🇸🇬 Singapore /Crime & Justice

Illegal ‘bird’s nest’ hostels pose fatal fire risks in JB

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Johor Bahru authorities are cracking down on illegal "bird's nest" hostels, which are cramped, windowless rooms in modified shophouses.
  • These premises pose a severe fire risk due to their dense occupancy, poor ventilation, and often inadequate safety measures.
  • The Fire and Rescue Department has inspected numerous such locations, issuing notices for violations like unauthorized renovations and obstructed escape routes, with one fatality already linked to such a fire.

Illegal "bird's nest" hostels in Johor Bahru are presenting a grave fire hazard, according to state officials. These accommodations, often found in the upper floors of shophouses in busy commercial areas, are characterized by cramped, windowless rooms rented out for as little as RM300 a month. The name "bird's nest" stems from the tightly packed nature of the rooms, which officials warn can ignite and burn rapidly.

The high number of occupants and small room sizes, coupled with limited or obstructed escape routes, make it difficult for them to get out safely.

— Siti Rohani NadirThe Johor Fire and Rescue Department director explained the primary fire safety concerns with illegal hostels.

The primary concern highlighted by the Johor Fire and Rescue Department is the risk of occupants being trapped during a fire. Director Siti Rohani Nadir explained that the high number of occupants, small room sizes, and limited or obstructed escape routes make safe evacuation extremely difficult. Many of these premises lack adequate fire-resistant doors, safety equipment, emergency lights, and exit signs, while unauthorized modifications further complicate evacuation efforts.

In response, the department has intensified inspections across Johor Bahru, particularly in high-density areas like Kempas, Tebrau, and Larkin. So far in 2026, they have recorded 15 cases and issued 50 notices. Common violations include unauthorized renovations, partitioning spaces into numerous small rooms, obstructed escape routes, missing fire-resistant doors, inadequate protection systems, and overcrowding. Some buildings have been illegally divided into as many as 21 rooms.

Some of these premises lack adequate fire-resistant doors and safety equipment, while emergency lights and exit signs might be missing or non-functional.

— Siti Rohani NadirThe director detailed the lack of essential safety features in the illegal accommodations.

The dangerous living conditions have already led to at least one fatality. A fire in Pontian on May 12, 2024, which destroyed 60% of a three-story shophouse, resulted in one death. The second floor of that building had been partitioned into six small rental rooms. Another fire in Kuala Lumpur in 2026 also involved a similarly modified shophouse. Tenants at these "bird's nest" hostels include local and foreign workers, families, and individuals commuting to Singapore for work, all seeking low-cost housing despite the inherent risks.

Unauthorised modifications and layout of these premises could further hamper the quick evacuation of occupants during a fire.

— Siti Rohani NadirThe director pointed out how illegal modifications exacerbate evacuation challenges during emergencies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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