KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 -- A coalition of property owners and managers has pushed back against a proposal to hold landlords responsible if scam call centres operate on their premises, arguing that they have no power to investigate crimes.

The group expressed concern over the move by law enforcement to charge landlords and joint management bodies (JMBs) for tenants' illegal activities.

"Landlords, property owners, and management bodies lack the legal authority to investigate criminal activities or means to enforce compliance within individual premises," the statement said.

The groups included in the statement were the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (ACCCIM), Building Management Association of Malaysia (BMAM)...