THE Public Works Department (PWD) has been instructed to carry out a detailed technical investigation into the cause of flash flooding that led to the collapse of a retaining wall near Phase 1B along Jalan Abang Haji Openg in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said PWD has also been directed to assess the structural integrity of the affected area and recommend additional mitigation measures without compromise.
“Any weaknesses in terms of implementation, supervision, technical compliance or site management must be identified and addressed immediately.
“The Ministry of Works (KKR) will not compromise on matters involving public safety,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
He added that immediate actions have already been taken at the site, including cleanup works, the removal of hoarding along Jalan Abang Haji Openg, the installation of concrete barriers with geotextile over a stretch of about 200 metres, and rectification works on erosion and sediment control systems (ESCP) at the construction site.
Nanta said the measures were necessary to stabilise current conditions and reduce the risk of further incidents.
The retaining wall near a construction site for the remaining works of the Bukit Kiara Federal Park Administrative Zone development project (Phase 1B) collapsed following heavy rainfall yesterday.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred after continuous heavy rain between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, which caused water overflow from the project site.
Early observations indicated that runoff from the hillside led to a soil embankment failure, which flowed into silt trap 1 (sediment trap).
“At the same time, the downstream public drainage system was unable to effectively handle the flow, including obstructions from utilities in certain sections, causing water to stagnate, overflow onto the public road and exert pressure on the existing retaining wall, which eventually collapsed together with the hoarding,” he said.
Nanta also called on all parties involved in the project to cooperate fully with authorities and comply with all technical directives issued.
He said the ministry would continue monitoring developments and ensure follow-up actions are carried out transparently, responsibly and with a focus on public safety.
“I extend my sympathy to residents affected and assure that the ministry is committed to ensuring that recovery, stabilisation and preventive measures are implemented as quickly as possible so that such incidents do not recur,” he said. - April 19, 2026
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