High rise building on hillslope may have caused landslide in Bangsar

KUALA LUMPUR: A high rise building on a hillslope may be the cause of the second landslide in six years at Jalan Medang Tanduk in Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar which occurred about midnight on Saturday.
Residents along Jalan Medang Tanduk are concerned that development in the area without proper drainage could cause worse scenarios during heavy downpours.
Declining to be named, a resident living closest to the landslide, told theSun he had complained to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall when the first landslide occurred in August 2011.
"A similar landslide occurred six years ago when a new development project was starting above the hillslope. This is the second time this is happening.
"We were not happy about the project and we complained to the City Hall. But now we still see the construction going on.
"When the authorities approve hillslope development without proper drainage, we fear these incidences will recur," he said.
Another resident said the authorities should act fast to prevent a recurrence.
"Generally the land here is more stable than other hilly residential areas in the city but for a landslide to happen here like this, it is a serious matter.
"The authorities should act immediately and not close one eye to this," he said.
The Jalan Mendang Tanduk, which was closed for traffic at midnight on Saturday following a landslide after a hillslope retaining wall collapsed at 11.40pm, was reopened for traffic at 10am on Sunday.
City Hall workers had arrived around 9am to clear the debris from the landslide.
One of the City Hall personnel at sight said the road clearing works were completed within 30 minutes, after which the road was for traffic.
"We have already spoken to the residents and took down their complaints. We will be submitting it to the Slope Unit under the Civil Engineering and Urban Transportation Department for further action," he said.
The personnel assured the residents that the landslip spot will be covered with canvas to prevent it from slipping further.
Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk J Loga Bala Mohan told theSun that the investigation on the landslide is ongoing and will be completed within two weeks.
"It is still premature to state whether the construction project on the hill caused the landslide. As of now the area is safe since hillslope has been covered by canvas," he said.