KUALA LUMPUR: The trend of converting residential homes into business premises began to "explode" when the Covid-19 pandemic struck about four years ago.
This is due to the low rental rates and utility charges, which have led more people to turn their homes into hipster-style businesses.
However, the trend has become a topic of discussion as other residents claim that their "rights" are being violated due to the presence of these business premises.
Speaking to Buletin TV9, a resident of a housing area, Samiha Abdullah (not her real name), said her life changed dramatically after the implementation of the Movement Control Order.
Samiha said that her house, located in a strategic area, has become a boon for home-based businesses, particularly hipster cafes.
Having lived in the area for 13 years, her house is now surrounded by almost 10 cafes. However, the privileges and privacy rights of the M40 residents are increasingly diminishing.
"From Monday to Friday, it's already somewhat disturbing, but it's worse on weekends because that's when we rest at home.
"We're disturbed by the presence of people who are customers of these businesses.
"When we want to leave the house, we have to honk because they've blocked the parking space in front of our house, and there are also issues concerning our children's safety," she said.
As a neighbour, Samiha claims to understand that some home businesses are run as a means of livelihood.
"However, some who have already made profits from their businesses still do not move out, and they even pose safety threats due to the excessive use of industrial equipment.
"I'm also worried because it seems they don't follow safety specifications... for example, a bakery with many industrial ovens.
"It's not suitable to be in a house, and it should be in a building to operate cleanly, but they place it outside... all of that is unhealthy due to hygiene issues," she said.
Meanwhile, a Buletin TV9 survey conducted in another elite area facing similar issues revealed that many homes converted into business premises receive a continuous flow of customers.
The survey found that a once peaceful location has changed, with people easily coming and going, and even p-hailing (food delivery) riders frequently present.
It's understood that there are two groups of home-based business operators: homeowners and renters.
Their reason is the same - the high rental rates for commercial lots.
In Klang, the rental rates for business premises vary depending on the location.
In Kota Damansara, rental rates can reach up to RM30,000 for corner lots, while prices start from RM5,000 for premises in the middle.
In comparison, renting a corner lot in a residential area would cost around RM7,000, which is much cheaper.
Another shocking discovery was a car workshop operating from a home.
Residents claimed they suffered more due to noise pollution at all hours, clearly violating local authority regulations.
Complaints made through local community social network platforms seem to fall on deaf ears.
Resident Azura Aziz (not her real name) said that many people still come to the house for vehicle repairs, even at midnight.
"At that time, we've already rested and are asleep, but the noise disturbs us as neighbours.
"People quickly sympathise and say to give them a chance, but when we give them a chance, another workshop appears," she said.
These business operators have countless excuses to continue operating, and eateries, for example, use a rotation method to accommodate customers at one time.
Meanwhile, a journalist contacted a Tom Yam shop owner to confirm whether customers need to make reservations before coming to the premises.
"Yes, it's true... make a reservation first, then come. Our parking isn't that big, we're in a residential area, so parking is limited... sometimes it's at the end, sometimes it's in front," he said.