Malaysia's Fire Department Targets Illegal 'Bird Nest' Rental Conversions

The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has placed buildings and premises illegally converted into cramped rental rooms under its surveillance. These makeshift accommodations, likened to 'bird nests,' are particularly prevalent in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor.

Datuk Norazam Khamis, Director of the Fire Safety Division at JBPM Headquarters, stated that the department is actively inspecting these structures to assess their safety features. He mentioned that the exact number of such conversions in Kuala Lumpur is being verified in coordination with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

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We are currently verifying the exact number with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

JBPM officers are conducting reconnaissance and inspections to identify premises suspected of operating as illegal dormitories or unapproved residences. A key indicator for these operations is a significant number of individuals returning to a building, especially during evening hours after the typical workday concludes. The department aims to determine if these premises are indeed being used for accommodation purposes.

This initiative follows a recent incident on May 13, where a foreign national died and 11 others were rescued from a fire in a three-story shophouse in Jalan Tun H S Lee, Kuala Lumpur. The fire, which destroyed about 50% of the structure, highlighted the dangers associated with poorly maintained and potentially illegally converted buildings. The swift action of firefighters saved 11 foreign nationals, but one man was confirmed deceased.

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We will conduct inspections to determine if the premises are being used as accommodation.