Debris clogging up a nearby monsoon drain. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
A broken underground sewerage pipe is believed to have triggered slope erosion at Taman Bukit Teratai in Ampang, Selangor on Jan 18, leading to partial collapse of a 6m hillside.
While the incident caused concern among residents, no houses were affected and no casualties reported.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari clarified that the incident was not a landslide.
“A 300mm Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) pipe was found to be broken or disconnected at Jalan Saga 17 in Taman Saga (at the top of the slope).
“Overflowing water eroded surface soil, which then flowed down to the rear of houses at Jalan Teratai 2/7G (at the foot of the hill).
“MPAJ conducted an immediate inspection and IWK promptly stopped the water flow upon being notified,” he said.
Hasrolnizam said preventive works began on Sunday afternoon, while the exposed slope had been covered with tarpaulin and cleaning works were underway.
“MPAJ will issue official notices under Act 133 (Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974) to IWK, requiring them to take responsibility for repairing the slope and infrastructure,” he said.
Contractors covering the exposed slope in Taman Bukit Teratai with tarpaulin. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
He assured that MPAJ would monitor the site until repairs were complete.
Taman Bukit Teratai resident Ismail Omar, 79, whose house backs onto the slope, said it was the first such incident in the neighbourhood.
“It was surprising as there had been no rain in the days leading up to the incident.
“Hopefully the authorities will repair the slope quickly, before the rainy season starts again,” he said.
He added that regular tree maintenance should also be carried out at the slope.
Teratai assemblyman Yew Jia Haur, who visited the site yesterday, said: “Fortunately, an existing rubble wall, built 30 years ago during the development of Taman Saga, helped prevent further soil movement and it minimised the impact of the slide.”
A temporary bypass, he said, had been installed at the hilltop to prevent further leakages without disrupting service.
“We do not know yet what caused the pipe to break or disconnect,” he added.
Yew also instructed the local authority to clear debris blocking a nearby monsoon drain.
“We do not want any possibility of flash floods if heavy rain occurs.
He had asked the state government to allocate more funds for slope mitigation and early warning systems in Ampang Jaya.
“There are around 200 slopes classified as ‘very dangerous’ in the municipality, some of which are in my constituency,” he said.
Yew added that more than 11 sensors had been installed at high-risk zones across Ampang Jaya to detect soil movement and water levels.
In a press statement, IWK said it had taken immediate action following the incident.
“The landslide affected approximately 10m of a 225mm vitrified clay sewer pipe and one manhole, located about 350m from Sewage Treatment Plant AMA040.
“Immediate action included installation of a temporary sewer connection to prevent sewage discharge, standby emergency flow diversion, installation of protective canvas along the slope to prevent further collapse, and cleaning of affected drains to restore proper water flow.”
IWK said follow-up works were underway, including reconstruction and realignment of the damaged pipeline and manhole, installation of protective measures, inspection of surrounding sewer lines, remedial repair works and full reinstatement of the slope, road surface and guardrail.
“IWK remains committed to safeguarding public safety, minimising environmental impact and working closely with authorities and stakeholders to restore the affected infrastructure promptly and responsibly.”
