25% of Bukit Dinding hillside stays to prevent landslide: DBKL

KUALA LUMPUR – After receiving brickbats for approving a high-rise development at the foothill of Bukit Dinding in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) today said 25% of the land there must be retained as a green area to guard against landslides.

The percentage is significantly higher compared to the usual 5% of green space preserved at other developments because of steep slopes at Bukit Dinding, said DBKL’s town planning department director Datuk Zulkarnain Hassan. 

Zulkarnain said the slopes there have been identified as Class 3 (slopes of between 25 to 35 degrees) and Class 4 (slopes of more than 35 degrees).

“They dare not touch parts of the area and they have been separated. The developer is required to strengthen the site to prevent landslides from occurring later on,” he told reporters at DBKL’s headquarters today.

“The developer is required to strengthen the site, so that there is no landslide later.

“They have to construct a retaining wall, berms, drainage and properly design (the landscape) and then hand it over to DBKL for review.  

“As of now, no construction can take place yet, as these works have not been completed.”

Also present at the media briefing was Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah. 

Protests against development at Bukit Dinding came from Setiawangsa and Wangsa Maju residents, who fear a worsening of existing landslide problems.

Last Thursday, DBKL broke its silence with a statement saying that no development works will be allowed until a strategic communications session with local residents is held.

Bukit Dinding, a privately owned site, is a popular hiking site for local residents.

The proposed development comprises two 26-storey apartment blocks, bungalows, as well as villas.

Zulkarnain said the project had completed several legal requirements, including soil integrity study as well as an environmental impact assessment.

“The Environment Department issued its approval for the EIA in 2017 and in 2014, consultant Ikram (Malaysian Institute of Public Works) issued its recommendations to the developer after assessing the site. 

“This included the drainage and water catchment ponds and they were evaluated and certified by Ikram.” – The Vibes, September 26, 2022