Authorities are investigating the structural safety of Damai Perdana Apartments in Cheras following a landslide that led to resident evacuations.
KUALA LUMPUR: A detailed investigation is being conducted to assess the structural safety of a block at the Damai Perdana Apartments in Bandar Damai Perdana, Cheras, following a landslide last night that led to the evacuation of about 80 residents.
Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) Zone 6 councillor Tan Kah Hoe said the investigation was being carried out jointly by the Public Works Department (JKR), the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG) and MPKj.
“For the time being, JKR, MPKj and JMG will conduct an initial investigation. So far, we have not received any findings from the relevant agencies.
“We will follow up with them to determine whether the building remains structurally safe for occupation,” he told reporters at the scene today.
Tan said technical reports from the agencies were expected soon, adding that JMG was also investigating allegations that a leaking pipe may have caused the landslide.
As a precautionary measure, 45 units in Block D were ordered to be vacated. A temporary evacuation centre has been opened at the Desa Baiduri Community Hall to accommodate the affected residents.
Tan said MPKj received a report about the incident at 8 pm yesterday and subsequently visited the site with Balakong assemblyman Ong Chun Wei.
He said the council had initially covered the affected slope with canvas to prevent further soil movement.
He added that the collapsed section was under the jurisdiction of the apartment’s Joint Management Body (JMB), which was checking with its insurer to determine whether the incident was covered under the existing policy.
The water supply to the entire apartment complex, comprising four blocks and 360 residential units, has also been temporarily suspended.
“Water tankers will be provided to meet the residents’ needs,” he said.
Meanwhile, resident Mohd Shah Adhar, 48, said the landslide was believed to have been triggered by a burst main pipe on the slope near Block D.
He said the rushing water had washed away soil, causing part of the hillside to collapse.
“Previously, there were no signs around the hillside near Block D that such an incident was imminent,” he said.
Another resident, Muhammad Syakir Nabil Azman, 32, said he rushed home after receiving a call from his wife informing him of the landslide.
“My wife called and told me to come home immediately. She said people downstairs were shouting and urging everyone to evacuate because a landslide had occurred,” he said.
Syakir said he planned to stay temporarily at his mother-in-law’s house in Taman Tun Perak.
Media reports yesterday stated that residents of an apartment block in Bandar Damai Perdana, Cheras, had been ordered to vacate their homes following a landslide near the building. The incident was believed to have been caused by an underground water leak.
