Landslide update: Mahameru road reopens to traffic

PETALING JAYA: The stretch of road affected by a landslide along the Mahameru Highway was fully re-opened to traffic at about 11pm Tuesday.

Workers from the relevant authorities took over five hours to clear the debris which forced the road to be closed from 5.30pm.

The landslide occurred in front of Wisma Tani causing a massive traffic jam on the highway from Putra World Trade Centre to Jalan Parlimen, amidst the evening downpour.

Sentul Fire and Rescue department Senior Fire Officer II Haji Othman said the landslide occurred at about 5.30pm Tuesday.

"It spilled onto the road, burying one lane but no motorist was injured.

"We have 13 officers on site working to clear the area but it will take some time," he said.

It is learnt that all lanes have been closed and traffic diverted to Jalan Parlimen.

Netizens who were caught in the congestion took to their phones to inform others.

Joshua (@Yoong80) tweeted at 6:07PM: Landslide Bkt Tunku. Avoid Mahameru.

Social Ninja: pergh! RT @Hizam_Hamzi: Welcome to Mahameru.

"Jln Tun Razak is a giant parking lot. Avoid like the plague," warns Vincent Tan.

Rizal Zainuddin tweeted a picture of the traffic jam caused by the landslide from a high-rise building.   

"The landslide on the highway has caused a beautifully backed up sea of red from Jalan Bangsar and Istana," he said referring to the red brake lights of vehicles. 
 
@Jud9e told everyone to stay safe and to avoid Jalan Mahameru.

Raden Aben asked why people were blaming the rain for the landslide. "Isn't it the fault of human for cutting down hills recklessly????," he said