CONCERNED over the myriad of problems associated with homestays in stratified residential buildings, the Penang government is now working on guidelines to ensure that the safety and security of residents are well taken care of.
State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh said one of the important elements under the guidelines would be for the Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC) to seek approvals from residents on whether they allow homestays or short-term accommodations.
“The JMB and MC of a particular residential building will need to seek approvals from the residents before enforcing homestay services.
“At the moment, there is no such law, especially in stratified residential premises.
“As usual, Penang leads, and where this matter is concerned, our top priority is to ensure the safety and security of residents.
“The guidelines are not finalised just yet, pending discussion with several important players.
“If it’s a commercial building that provides serviced apartments, then there can be an exception prior to discussions with related parties,” Jagdeep (PH-Datok Keramat) said when replying to a question by Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Seri Delima) during the State Legislative Assembly in Dewan Sri Pinang today.
He also said Penang has the third-highest number of stratified properties throughout the country, and that there is a need for such guidelines to be enforced soon to prevent further disruption to the peaceful living of the residents.
“This is not a hotel or business premises, but a residential building,” Jagdeep added when stressing the importance of safety and security of the residents in this matter.
While highlighting this issue, he also referred to a recent decision by the Federal Court which stated that any JMB or MC can initiate house rules to ban homestays and short-term accommodations in their respective residential buildings.
Separately, under the Strata Management Act, Jagdeep stated that the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) will advise the JMB’s or MC’s to set house rules pertaining to the said issue.
“Under the said Act and through the house rules, JMBs and MCs will be authorised to oversee the management, administration and other related matters in the buildings.
“Any violation of the house rules, unit owners could be fined up to RM200,” Jagdeep added.
While RM200 may seem like the least effective penalty, Jagdeep proposed to the Federal Government to give greater importance to this matter by increasing the fine.
In order to address other issues pertaining to homestays or short-term accommodation, he also said that both the local councils are entitled to issue notices under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhammad