Ampang landslide: Area declared disaster zone, residents in 48 homes ordered to vacate

 

The landslide area in Taman Bukit Permai, Kuala Lumpur. – FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities have ordered the evacuation of 48 houses in the vicinity of the landslide area in Taman Bukit Permai, Ampang here.

“This area has been declared as a disaster zone in case there is further soil movement,” said Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

He said this would also allow authorities to inspect the area’s safety.

“The Public Works Department and Malaysian Institute of Public Works are conducting studies to check the soil structure. This should take about three to five days,” he said during a visit to the area on Friday (March 11).

Amirudin said the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) had covered the slope with canvas.

“Checks found that there were no logging activities or soil removal works above the slope,” he said.

Amirudin also announced a RM10,000 cash aid from the state government to the families of the deceased.

Also present during the visit were state local government and public transport committee chairman Ng Sze Han and MPAJ president Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim.

The landslide that occurred at about 5.30pm on Thursday (March 10) claimed four lives. There was a sole survivor, an 84-year-old man.

Meanwhile, in another press conference Friday, Hulu Langat district officer Dr Ani Ahmad said they would meet today to determine further course of action.

“As of now, 48 houses have been told to evacuate.

“An evacuation centre has been set up some 10km away but no victims have reported there so far,” she said, adding that many have opted to stay with relatives or in hotels.

She said the centre could accommodate 200 people or more.

Ampang Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Farouk Eshak said that they would intensify patrols in the area.

“We have not received any reports of break-ins so far,” he said. - Star