Residents unhappy over houses converted into restaurants

Defiant: The owner of this restaurant in Jalan SJ1 in Taman Selayang Jaya had been fined many times but still operates the outlet.

Two double-storey houses in Taman Selayang Jaya, Selayang, have been converted into restaurants and their neighbours are unhappy about it.

Both the restaurants are corner lots — one in Jalan SJ19 and the other in Jalan SJ1.

Although one of the restaurant owners had been fined numerous times by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), the operator continues to run the outlet in defiance of the local authority.

Residents, who wished to remain anonymous, sent an e-mail to StarMetro claiming that these restaurants were disturbing the peaceful environment and led to vehicles being parked along the road, sometimes even blocking the entrance to their houses.

A check revealed that extensive renovations had been done at the double-storey steamboat restaurant in Jalan SJ19 —even the addition of a third floor — and the council was unaware of it.

The other houses along Jalan SJ19 are double-storey houses.

MPS assistant enforcement officer Paramasivam Chelliah said the restaurant in Jalan SJ1 had been fined many times.

Each time, the owner will just pay the fine and continue to run the business.

“We are unaware of the restaurant located in Jalan SJ19.

“Our enforcement staff will visit the place next week to check whether they have proper documentation for the renovations and approval for the restaurant.

“We do not give any permits for houses in residential areas to be converted into restaurants,” he said, adding that the case was being handled by the council’s legal affairs department.

By The Star (by Stuart Michael)