City Hall halts Bukit Kiara project after mud flood, orders review of slope development controls

THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has ordered an immediate Stop Work Order on a development project in the Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara administrative zone after a mud flood struck Jalan Abang Haji Openg, triggering safety concerns for nearby residents.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said enforcement action had been taken against the contractor, including the issuance of a compound, while clean-up operations are being carried out jointly by the Fire and Rescue Department and DBKL.

She explained that the project falls under the National Landscape Department within the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and is being implemented by the Public Works Department under the Ministry of Works.

“I went to the location tonight together with the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Seri TPr Fadlun Mak Ujud. DBKL took immediate action following the emergency situation and the risks that could affect the safety of nearby residents,” she said in a Facebook post.

According to her, immediate measures included joint clean-up operations involving the Fire and Rescue Department, DBKL and the contractor, as well as the removal of barrier structures at the affected site.

She added that repair works on silt traps were also undertaken to control surface water flow, alongside the establishment of a DBKL control centre to coordinate operations on the ground.

Following the incident, the Mayor has directed all relevant parties to attend an emergency meeting to reassess mitigation plans and determine the necessary corrective measures to prevent a recurrence.

“He also decided that all slope development works around Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara will be reviewed, and a set of guidelines for phased and controlled earthworks development will be introduced,” Hannah said.

She further noted that DBKL will tighten oversight of hillside construction activities, no longer allowing large-scale earthworks to proceed without control, but instead requiring phased implementation.

“I also urge the Public Works Department and the National Landscape Department to take immediate mitigation measures to prevent a recurrence. Public safety must be the priority and all responsible parties must act swiftly and with full commitment,” she said.

Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the Public Works Department has been instructed to conduct a detailed technical investigation to determine the root cause of the mud flood, which also led to the collapse of a retaining wall near the affected area. - April 19, 2026