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Post date: Feb 26, 2014 1:14:24 PM
Published: Friday August 30, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Friday August 30, 2013 MYT 10:23:50 AM
PHOTOS BY BRENDA CH’NG AND AZMAN GHANI
THE trend of entrepreneurs preferring to operate at old bungalows and residential units is not only changing the landscape of Petaling Jaya, but also resulting in a rise in the number of illegal businesses.
These unlicensed businesses operating in converted residential units comprise mostly used-car dealers, mechanics and car showrooms.
“Many illegal businesses are operating in this city and even some licensed ones are not adhering to the guidelines set,” noted Bukit Gasing assemblyman R. Rajiv.
Converted bungalows
Some bungalows have been given limited commercial status by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
They include those located along Jalan Universiti, Jalan Changgai, Jalan Gasing, Jalan Kemajuan, Jalan Othman and parts of Jalan Templer.
These are mostly main roads where several old bungalows were given approval for limited commercial purposes.
According to the Petaling Jaya Local Plan 1, only certain business activities are allowed.
These include small-scale enterprises that do not have high traffic, like art galleries, old folk’s homes, as well as law and accounting firms.
Business activities which are not allowed include car workshops, vehicle showrooms, used-car dealers and eateries.
Guidelines not met
Businesses are required to meet certain building guidelines before getting the green light.
For example, the premises cannot be demolished and rebuilt to be higher than the original building.
If the owner decides to rebuild, the new building must be of similar height to the original bungalow.
Two-storey buildings are only allowed if the original building was two levels high.
MBPJ also requires business owners to provide sufficient parking space within the premises.
The local plan gives MBPJ the power to revoke or reject applications if residents living nearby oppose the business activity.
“In Jalan Changgai, there are so many workshops and even used-car dealers. These are clearly illegal and not allowed,” said Rajiv.
In addition, some businesses are expanding upwards, from the allowed one-storey to two or even three-storeys high.
Higher rental
Many of these businesses are operating along busy main roads of Petaling Jaya.
“This may result in traffic congestion due to illegal parking outside the buildings,” said Rajiv.
He believes that more bungalows are being converted as landlords can fetch a higher rental for businesses compared to residences.
“I think it is also easier for them to rent it out to business operators as there is demand for commercial space here,” he said.
When contacted, Petaling Jaya mayor Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad said the city council had stopped accepting applications to convert residential areas into limited commercial businesses.
“We are not going to approve new applications. The existing ones will be allowed to continue operations but there will be no more new ones,” she said, adding that pending applications would be put on hold.
Alinah said action would be taken against the illegal businesses.
Areas in Petaling Jaya allowed for limited commercial purposes
> Parts of Jalan SS2/24
> Parts of Jalan Universiti
> Parts of Jalan Utara
> Lorong Utara
> Jalan Kemajuan
> Parts of Jalan Timur
> Jalan Gasing
> Parts of Jalan Selangor
> Parts of Jalan Othman
> Parts of Jalan Penchala
> Jalan Pasar
> Jalan Dato’ Abu Bakar
> Parts of Jalan SS20/7
> Parts of Jalan SS21/1
> Terrace houses between Jalan 14/20 and 14/24
> Terrace houses between Jalan 14/14 and 14/20
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