KUALA LUMPUR: Homeowners should exercise greater care when renting out their properties to prevent overcrowding and disputes that could affect the safety and well-being of local communities.
Titiwangsa Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said problems could arise when homeowners who no longer lived in an area rented out their properties without properly considering the number of occupants and their suitability as tenants.
Citing past issues in Kampung Pandan, he said overcrowding in some homes had contributed to disputes and disturbances, including fights and gangsterism.
"At one time, many people lived in houses rented out by owners who no longer lived in the area. They lived in large numbers, leading to problems," he said at the Taman Angkat Amanita 2026 programme at the Laksamana People's Housing Project (PPR) in Jalan Peel here today.
He said he had worked with the Wangsa Maju district police chief to address the issues, including contacting homeowners and advising them to exercise greater care when selecting tenants.
"Through cooperation with the police, many of these problems were resolved. We contacted homeowners and advised them to be more careful when renting out their properties," he said.
Johari said maintaining public safety required close cooperation between the police, residents and community leaders, particularly in sharing information about potential risks.
He advised residents not to confront suspected criminals themselves, warning that doing so could put them in danger.
"Whatever crime residents know about, do not confront the criminals. Bring the information to my office so we can work out a strategy.
"I do not want overzealous residents to expose themselves to danger and become victims of criminals," he said.
Johari also encouraged residents, particularly those living in flats, to get to know their neighbours and remain alert to their surroundings.
"If we live on the seventh floor and there are 16 homes on that floor, we should, if possible, know all our neighbours.
"If we have not seen a neighbour for three or four days, we should check on them. If we are afraid to go on our own, inform the residents' association chairman," he said.
He urged youth non-governmental organisations to engage more actively with young people in densely populated housing areas, particularly PPR developments.
He said limited space at home meant young people often spent time on the ground floors of their blocks, making constructive activities important for strengthening community ties.
Youth groups, he added, could help young people build positive social networks and maintain stronger connections with their communities.
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