A tarpaulin sheet has been placed on the slope as a temporary measure to prevent further soil movement. – LOW BOON TAT/The Star
Homeowners in Taman Halaman, Ampang, Selangor, who were hit by a landslide last week, will likely have to foot the slope repair cost.
Ampang Jaya councillor Mohamad Samat said state agencies were not liable nor required to take action as the land was privately owned.
“There are two groups of houses – ones at the foot of the hill, and another on the hilltop – both on private land.
“Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) cannot use public funds to undertake remedial works on private property.
“A meeting will be held between the council and residents to discuss the appropriate forms of assistance,” he told StarMetro.
The incident on Dec 9 affected three houses, causing heavy damage to two of them, and residents were forced to evacuate.
Mohamad explained that many plots of land in Ampang were sold to private owners in the 1970s and 1980s.
“The plans at the time did not reflect the presence of hillslopes and many owners went on to build homes in these areas.
“There was no awareness yet about landslides and as a result, many failed to take the necessary precautions,” he said.
However, he added that homeowners on private land affected by landslides could claim from their liability insurance.
Mohamad highlighted that a similar incident took place in Taman Mega Jaya early this year and MPAJ filed a claim on residents’ behalf as the land was state-owned.
Lembah Jaya assemblyman Haniza Talha said affected Taman Halaman residents were required to vacate their homes until remedial works were completed.
“Mitigation steps must be taken in light of the ongoing rainy season,” she said, adding that the authorities must step up checks on homes near hillslopes.
She also highlighted that many private landowners could not afford the high cost of constructing a retaining wall.
“Even if they could, such a facility only serves as a temporary measure and not a permanent solution,” she added.
Haniza added that she had applied for special funds to undertake mitigation works at slopes from the then Housing and Local Government Ministry and Selangor government.
Meanwhile, a Hulu Langat Land and District Office official said MPAJ had sent notices to the affected residents to inform them that the slope was on private land.
“So far, the situation is under control and the area has not been declared a disaster zone,” said the official who declined to be named.
A check by StarMetro on Monday morning at Jalan Halaman 6 found the vacated houses had been sealed off with yellow barrier tape.
Residents in neighbouring homes have opted to stay put and no personnel from MPAJ, the police or Fire and Rescue Department were seen in the area.
Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail said MPAJ’s Engineering Department was discussing short and long-term solutions to strengthen the slope.
