RESIDENTS of Lorong Utara in Section 52, Petaling Jaya, are sounding the alarm over a collapsed retaining wall along the Astaka field, fearing the "substandard" structure poses an imminent threat to their homes.
The collapse, which occurred last week, follows years of warnings from the Lorong Utara Residents Association (RA).
Despite StarMetro highlighting these concerns in July 2024, the wall - described by locals as more "aesthetic" than functional - has finally given way.
Lorong Utara RA president Syed Izzuddin Alshahab said the disaster was entirely predictable.
"We took our local representative to the site two years ago and predicted this would happen," Syed said.
"This is a failure by design. We need a qualified engineer to design a proper solution and a competent contractor to build it."
RA secretary Terence Siew, who has an engineering background, was blunter in his assessment.
He argued the wall lacks the structural integrity required for the slope’s demands, calling for urgent action from Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
"The wall fell on its own, even without significant soil erosion. It offers no strength; it is merely decorative," Siew warned.
"Slope failure often happens suddenly, made worse by rain. If MBPJ does not act, the rest of the wall will eventually collapse."
For octogenarian Toh Puan Lam-Yap Lee Pin, who has lived in the area for over 60 years, the collapse is a direct threat to her property.
While her home is protected by a cantilever — a beam supported at one end to carry a load over the slope — she believes the current instability requires urgent intervention.
"I am very concerned. I feel the cantilever provided safety for my house, but now the situation calls for immediate action," she said. "MBPJ must fix this as soon as possible."
During a site visit yesterday, StarMetro observed officers from the MBPJ drainage department inspecting the damage.
However, the city council has yet to provide an official explanation for the structural failure or outline a timeline for repairs.
