KUALA LUMPUR – Illegal construction by residents in Kemensah Heights has been identified as among the factors that led to the landslide affecting 19 double-storey terrace houses in the area on Friday night.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said based on his observations at the site today, he noted that some of construction along the affected road were in breach of the government’s safety rules.
This includes expansion of houses along the slope area involving residents with large families.
“If they had abided by all the set criteria and there was no illegal construction (this could have been avoided),” he told a press conference following a site visit today.
“But we understand (the construction) was done based on the needs of some families who have more members. There was one unit that is said to have housed five families.
“Regardless, we still need to abide by the rules and regulations. This unlawful construction is among the main factors (that caused the landslide).”
Takiyuddin was asked if he had seen any construction in the area that are not in adherence with the law, and if this was one of the key causes of the landslide.
He added that a technical report on the incident is being prepared by the Geoscience and Mineral Department, and is expected to be completed by Tuesday.
He said the relevant government agencies and departments will then act accordingly based on the report.
Takiyuddin said many illegal construction work was done upon completion of initially approved developments, making it difficult for the authorities to monitor.
“We have guidelines on construction on slope areas or highlands. But sometimes, expansion and the sort are done after completion of a project.
“You can’t expect the authorities to be sitting in one area (monitoring the situation). So, we advise the public to please abide by the guidelines on building construction, especially in high-risk areas. We fear things like this will repeat itself.”
Yesterday, the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department had said that the cause of the disaster was believed to be due to movement of underground water following a downpour, leading to soil structure erosion.
The state Disaster Management Authority later declared the affected area a disaster site, as all the houses there are still unsafe for occupation, with fears that further earth movements may occur.
There were no casualties in the incident. – The Vibes, September 19, 2021
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