At times, the parties go on till wee hours of the morning, causing noise pollution in the otherwise quiet neighbourhood.
Life’s no party for residents of Taman D’Impian Tropika, Seri Kembangan, who have had to endure noise pollution and traffic congestion in their housing area for almost two years.
Instead of enjoying some peace and quiet at home, they have to deal with blaring horns, loud music and congested roads, thanks to two houses which have been converted into venues for weddings and birthday parties.
This has led to strangers coming in and out of their neighbourhood as well as vehicles being parked haphazardly along the narrow roads.
Leow Sze Yin’s three-storey terrace house is located between the two houses, which are located a few doors away from each other.
She finds it difficult to sleep because of the loud noise and partying, which sometimes continue until the wee hours of the morning.
“Some also drink and throw up at the field opposite.
“We cannot sleep soundly on a weekend because as early as 8am, the groom’s entourage will arrive and the vehicles will be blaring their horns to alert the bride,” said Leow.
She added that security was also an issue because anyone could claim they were invited for an event, to gain entry.
Guests at the events also utilise parking spots meant for residents. Many park along both sides of the road, creating just a single lane for passing motorists.
Angie Ng said she was worried for her child’s safety as there were so many strangers in the neighbourhood.
Angie also claimed some residences had been converted into homestays, adding she had seen a bus entering with a big group of people.
She said the security guards had tried telling visitors to park their vehicles outside the housing area but were ignored.
“After some parties, rubbish is left strewn around and we had to call the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj).
“We complained to the property agent about the noise and were promised that he would advise future guests but nothing has changed,” she said.
Angie said she was afraid that other houses in the area would be converted too.
Another resident, who only wanted to be known as Ching, said wedding events took place almost every weekend.
Residents have approached Balakong assemblyman Eddie Ng about the issue.
Eddie said nothing much could be done as it was difficult to prove the premises had been rented for commercial events.
“To issue a compound notice, we need evidence,” he said, adding although residents had forwarded advertisements to him, these were insufficient.
A check on a popular accommodation website however showed pictures of past events as well as the interior of a house and even details on the rates per night.
“We can, however, take action on the owner for causing public nuisance. Residents can also call the police if it is noisy after midnight,” said Eddie.
According to records of MPKj Licensing and Hawkers Department, no approval was granted to owners to conduct any business activities.
Officers from the council’s Building Control Department inspected a residence last year but no modifications were made to the original layout nor were there signboards advertising the unit as a homestay.
The council’s Planning and Development Department also said that it had not received any application to use the premises for commercial purposes.
Residents said MPKj officers had visited the area during a weekday following their complaints but did not take any action as no events were taking place at that time.
A council spokesman said MPKj would conduct another site visit on a weekend.
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