Ongoing slope stabilisation work at the area of the landslide in Taman Wawasan, Puchong which occurred on Dec 16. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
THE latest news continues to give Puchong landslide victims that sinking feeling.
The nine affected households fear that they will not be able to return to their homes for at least six months.
One victim, who wanted to be known only as Khoo, said councillor for Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) Lee Jen Uyin had informed them that the slope rectification work would take that long to complete.
“The families appreciate the update but we are asking for more specific first-hand information,” she said.
“School is about to reopen and we need to make special arrangements for transport and accommodation for our children.
“We are not trying to rush the authorities to complete the slope stabilisation work, but merely asking for concrete answers.
“We hope the state and MBSJ officers can put themselves in our shoes and see our point of view.”
A landslide hit part of Jalan Wawasan 3/9 in Taman Wawasan on Dec 16, swallowing four cars.
Following the incident, 29 occupants from the nine houses closest to the site were asked to evacuate due to safety concerns.
Khoo also said the authorities had yet to respond to her queries on retrieving her two cars from her house porch.
Workers stationed at the site. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
“There are at least eight cars still parked at the affected houses and if another landslide occurs, the vehicles may be damaged.
“I live in Kuala Lumpur now and do not have a car to get by. Ehailing rides are expensive.”
She said the affected residents had to get information from the media as the authorities had not responded to their many questions.
The residents are also wondering if Subang MP Wong Chen would give them a second round of aid.
It was previously reported that each affected household was given RM1,000 from Wong’s office on Dec 18.
Wong had said in an interview on another media platform, “If possible, more aid may be given for the families to stay at hotels and have meals because we believe the (first phase of) repairs is estimated to take two weeks.
“So, we are on standby to give them a bit of support.”
One victim, who wanted to be known only as Dev, said he was unable to contact Wong’s office. Dev is currently staying in a hotel near the landslide site.
Another victim, Qistina Suffian, 27, expressed gratitude for the aid from Wong and hoped repairs would be completed quickly.
“It is not ideal staying with relatives for an extended period, and finding a place to rent temporarily is quite challenging.
“I hope we can all return home, even if we have to enter via the back door,” said Qistina.
Wong did not respond to queries by press time.
The initial stage of repairs at the landslide site by MBSJ has concluded, following some delays.
The work involved the installation of 375 sheet piles along the 150m stretch.
