Tan Chuan Hong, Chairman of the Barisan Nasional Bagan Coordinating Committee and Chairman of the MCA Bagan Division, was at HARBOUR PLACE, BUTTERWORTH titiled "Reject the Illegal Homestay Operation, Return My Peaceful Home" peace petition on September 27, 2020 at 10 am. The following are key points of the press conference :

HARBOUR PLACE, BUTTERWORTH had happened frequent incidents of harassment by homestay tenants, especially the recent criminal case of a man renting homestay to have party, which he beat the apartment security guard before checking out after being asked to reduce noise of the party.

After this incident, the residents reported the problems to the relevant authorities, which cover issues like "returning my peaceful home", "rejecting daily rental services", "strengthening apartment security", "strike against illegal homestays" and " prohibition of prostitution and drug abuse".

According to the residents, they had asked the local state assemblyman for help, but the local state assemblyman claimed that he could not solve the problem and did not take concern about safety of the local residents seriously. The apartment residents felt upset about this YB’s bad attitude so they turned to BN & MCA for help, hoping to pressure Pakatan Harapan government so that the state government can take action.

Tan Chuan Hong believes that as people's representative should not be so irresponsible. Instead, he should play a coordinating role, including understanding the ins and outs of the incident from local residents, apartment management, and relevant government agencies, then try to find solutions rather than dodging residents who are asking for help.

On the other hand, local residents had also asked the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for help, but the City Council said that they have no way to solve the problem. Tan Chuan Hong thinks that this response from MBSP is unbelievable. In fact, all applications for the license of the homestay are approved by MBSP. If there is a problem with this apartment, MBSP are duty-bound.

After a problem arises, MBSP should at least investigate whether the homestay operator had applied license or not. If the operator is found to be operating a homestay illegally, MBSP should enforce the law instead of directly telling the local residents that there is no solution. When similar incidents happen in the apartment, if the law enforcement authorities do not take action, then who else can take action?

As for the developer and management, they should also think from the perspective of residents, especially before the condominium property management (MC) set up to solve the problem of homestays in the apartment, including strengthening security, improving fire protection and sanitation, and dare to refuse illegal rental and Homestay operations, otherwise the problem will only get worse, and eventually everyone will be affected.

Tan Chuan Hong also want to call out the investors and owners of this apartment, no matter they are engaged in the homestay business or appointing an agent, they must proceed in accordance with the law. They should also reach an agreement with the homestay tenant and abide by the lease contract to avoid inconveniences, criminal cases or any unpleasant incidents.

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