MPAJ sets fee for moving obstacles at strata properties

RM300 per visit by council personnel to cover operations cost

JOINT management bodies (JMB) and management corporations (MC) of strata properties in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, will now be charged a fee if they require the local council to move obstructions within their premises.

From May 1, JMBs and MCs are required to pay RM300 for each visit by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) personnel to move vehicles and other obstructions from common areas of strata properties.

MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad said the purpose of imposing the fee was to educate strata property managements to be more proactive, in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Strata Management Act 2013.

“JMBs and MCs should be empowered to carry out its duties, such as moving vehicles that are double-parked or blocking other vehicles, without council’s intervention.

“This is provided for under the Act and it is important for JMBs and MCs to understand and exercise their authority in managing these issues independently.

“This will foster a more efficient and responsible approach to strata property management,” she said when announcing the new fee implementation.

Ani said property management could still request for MPAJ’s intervention if needed, but would be charged for the service.

The fee was also to cover MPAJ’s costs each time an operation was carried out, she added.

Since 2018, MPAJ had carried out 30 operations to move obstructions without charging a fee.

She emphasised that the vehicle or item would not be removed from the premises as it was within private property.

The most common service requested was moving vehicles and other items left in common areas, such as corridors, stairs and the lobby.

“Sometimes, management bodies prefer to have MPAJ present at the site to prevent fights from breaking out and we can provide that service for a fee,” she said.

Those needing the council’s service can submit an official letter of request to MPAJ Commissioner of Buildings (COB).

On a related matter, Ani said there would be an increase in fees to search for official documents requested by JMB or MC.

Those wanting to search for documents such as list of committee members and meeting minutes will be charged RM50 for the first 10 pages and RM1 for each subsequent page.

“This is to ensure that strata committees and management keep good records of its own important documents,” she said.