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Sadly, we have 2 fatalities resulting from the landslide at Ulu Yam during early morning on Sunday. Reports suggests that the bungalows were built 8 years ago. This is yet another warning of how our planning authorities’ failures to impose adequate controls on hillside developments can cost lives. As many of us now know, the “trust us, we are professionals and follow regulations” mantra of planning authorities and in particular DBKL rings hollow in the light of recent disasters.
What will it take for DBKL and all other local authorities to wake up to the fact that there have to be a pause on hillside and steep hill slope developments? How many more families grief stricken over loss of their beloved will it take before the authorities accept and act to review and implement proper evaluation and controls on such developments? Evidence, especially from DBKL, show that they care less than 2 sens about safety and the environment, and are more interested in protecting rights of the developers.
It is indeed sad that many still do not seem to accept that there are few developers that are diligent in their approach to having developments that are safe for both the buyers and residents in the neighbourhood. Authorities seem to allow buildings before establishing if the environment is safe. We can only hope that this tragedy helps to demonstrate that the fears of residents in Medan Damansara, Bukit Gasing, Taman Hijau, Tanjung Bungah (Penang) and so many others across the country are well justified.
PS: The Judicial Review action against DBKL by residents near to the proposed at Bukit Gasing (KL Side) is set to continue on 2nd Jan 2009. The lawyer acting on behalf of the developer (Gasing Meridian Sdn. Bhd) appears to have much more to say despite being given more time on 28th Nov 2008. After 11 hearings, we are no closer to concluding the inter-parte “leave” for the Judicial Review hearing. It’s perhaps not surprising that most residents often find it hard to go against vested interests and developers as they seem to have deep pockets and would not hesitate use legal processes to their dubious advantage.
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Gary Yeoh
JAC for Bukit Gasing
More:http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/2/nation/2696149&sec=nation
2 comments
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December 6, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Ampang resident
Hi Gary,
As we are following the events closely as they unfold up in Bukit Antarabangsa right now, our hearts go out to the victims and their families.
It’s about 3.30pm right now and the rain has started. Thousands of residents at a nearby condo are being evacuated by way of walking down a dirt slip road!
Even the SPCA had sent in a team to help rescue the animals.
I just read this report in The Star minutes ago:
extract
- ‘Ronnie Liu added that sometimes it was difficult to prejudge or decide if houses built in certain localities were prone to landslides.
“Take for instance the recent landslide in Ulu Yam, the hill that came crashing down was located about 300 metres from the affected bungalow. Who would have imagined that the tragedy was possible?” said Liu.’
Well, I was surprised by his reaction because looking at the pictures of that tragedy, it was abundantly clear why the landslide occur there, the land was totally cleared of all vegetation, it was cut & fill, laid barracks style and covered with a coat of grass!
It looks like the developers will never learn. Time for the government to step up and amend the necessary legislation.
Safety first, then development/profits.
But for them to check on irresponsible development, they must have the expertise. Sigh, do they?
Let’s pray and hope that they will find more survivors as there are still a number of the missing persons as of now.
Regards,
Lee
December 7, 2008 at 1:45 am
Gary Yeoh
Lee,
I was over in Bukit Antarabangsa around the time it rained with a friend. We witnessed hundreds of residents tracking up steep and muddy tracks over to another condo across the valley to seek respite from being cut off electricity and water. Whilst it was heartening to see so many assisting the residents, I was shock to see how many were cut off and had to made a difficult and dangerous climb.
I believe that the public will have to be more active in taking action to protect their safety. Residents in Hulu Klang will have to force MPAJ to stop developments and instead commence serious and major mitigation works.
As for Ronnie, well, I think he is in a no win situation. Let’s hope that after all the talk, he will start to work with the Selangor Exco for Environment to rectify the mine fields laid by past administration.
Above all, we all must remain optimistic to fight for change.
Gary Yeoh
JAC for Bukit Gasing.