By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH, Oct 6 — The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has stressed that the construction of guardhouses in residential areas must comply with established guidelines to ensure public safety and avoid obstruction to road users.
The move follows complaints about the construction of unapproved guardhouses in several residential areas, including Taman Kaya,
Taman Pinggiran Pengkalan Bayu, Taman Pulai Mutiara, Taman Klebang Bayu, Lakeside Villa (Sunway City), and Taman Klebang Perdana.
Among the issues reported were security guards barring entry to residents who are not association members or have not paid fees, visitors facing difficulties entering the area, and the closure of alternative routes that restricted access to homes.
In response, Perak State Executive Councillor for Housing and Local Government, Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, conducted a site visit to guardhouses at Taman Putra Pertama and Meru Valley to review the implementation of the guidelines and understand the on-ground situation.
The visit was also joined by the Council’s Chief Whip, Dato’ Mazlan Abd Rahman, along with other councillors and MBI officials.
Mazlan said that while the construction of guardhouses under the Non-Strata Gated Community Scheme is encouraged, it must obtain formal approval and comply with the MBI Guardhouse Construction Guidelines, which aim to ensure community security measures are carried out properly and in accordance with the law.
“To date, MBI has received four official applications for the implementation of the Gated Community Scheme in Taman Kaya, Taman Megah Pasir Puteh, Meru Valley Golf & Country Club and Taman Putra Pertama. However, none have been approved as they did not fully meet the guidelines’ requirements.
“The main issues include proposed construction on public road reserves, insufficient traffic safety distance, lack of supporting documents, and absence of formal verification from authorities such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM),” he said.
MBI added that enforcement action has been taken since 2018 against unapproved guardhouses in several areas, including Anjung Tawas Impiana, Taman Klebang Perdana, Taman Kaya, Taman Pinggiran Pengkalan Bayu and Taman Pulai Mutiara, under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133).
Residents’ Associations (RA) were also reminded of their responsibility to maintain the guardhouses, ensure no obstruction to public road users, and bear all maintenance and operational costs.
“MBI supports community initiatives to strengthen neighbourhood security through the construction of guardhouses, but each initiative must obtain written approval and comply with the established guidelines to safeguard public interest and the city’s image,” the statement said.
The council also urged all residents’ associations to consult with the City Planning Department before constructing any guardhouses to avoid legal violations or enforcement actions.
