Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) has identified 57 instances of illegal structural modifications involving commercial and residential properties used as high-density rental units since 2022. The cases, which include unapproved conversions into rental rooms or hostels, were disclosed by Iskandar Puteri mayor Datuk Hasrin Kamal Hashim.
The breakdown of detected cases shows 22 in 2022, 11 in 2023, eight in 2024, 15 in 2025, and one case recorded up to June 2026. Hasrin Kamal emphasized that the city council is taking a firm stance against landlords who fail to comply with regulations governing structural modifications.
“The council closely monitors properties based on intelligence gathering, routine inspections, and tip-offs from the public,” he said. Enforcement activities are carried out in coordination with the police, the Immigration Department, and the Labour Department, focusing particularly on areas assessed as high risk.
A notable enforcement operation occurred on September 29, 2025, targeting illegal worker dormitories operating without licenses at the Southern Industrial and Logistics Clusters (SiLC) in Gelang Patah. Authorities found violations related to safety standards and unauthorized conversions. Illegal renovations have also been identified in Taman Nusa Perintis, another area within Gelang Patah.
Under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), unauthorized structural modifications are subject to legal action. Key provisions invoked include Section 79, which addresses illegal partitioning, and Section 86 concerning nuisance. Penalties include orders for demolition of unauthorized structures and fines of up to RM250,000, with additional daily fines of RM2,000 for continued contraventions.
In an effort to address the issue proactively, MBIP implemented a policy change in October 2025, prohibiting approvals for new worker hostels within existing buildings. This decision, reached during a one-stop centre committee meeting, considered factors such as safety, public health, urban development, regulatory compliance, and community well-being.
Hasrin Kamal noted that sufficient centralized labour quarters (CLQ) are already available in the MBIP area to accommodate workers in a safer and more regulated manner. The council is providing businesses and employers with a list of approved CLQs and formal notifications to assist in relocating workers from unauthorized hostels.
Furthermore, MBIP is undertaking a review of existing approvals for worker hostels to ensure ongoing compliance. According to the mayor, out of 335 recorded applications, 35 approvals have been revoked following evaluation by the council.
These measures reflect MBIP’s commitment to enforcing building and rental regulations, aiming to safeguard residents and maintain orderly development within Iskandar Puteri.