THERE seems to be no end in sight to the erosion problem at Taman Bukit Belimbing in Balakong, Selangor, as Kajang Municipal Council’s (MPKj) slope enhancement plans continue to face obstacles.
MPKj Zone 6 councillor Tan Kah Hoe said the erosion, which had led to falling trees and landslips, has been ongoing for a few years, with the most serious incident in July last year.
“The landslide took place after a heavy rain. After the incident, Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki, MPKj and I visited the site.
“MPKj cleared the dirt and placed a tarpaulin on the slope as a short-term measure.”
“The project was expected to cost about RM2.5mil to RM3mil, but it could be more expensive now due to inflation.
“Funds were sought from the state government, but there has been no response so far,” he said.
Tan also said he requested MPKj to trim the trees on the slope to reduce the risk of tree falling.
However, the council has faced obstructions due to illegal extensions by a few houses along the back lanes of Jalan Kesuma and Jalan Dahlia, which were adjacent to the slope.
“There should have been a buffer of about 3m between the houses and the slope, but some homeowners ignored the ruling.
“This is not an excuse for MPKj to refrain from action, as it has the authority to enforce against illegal extensions,” he said.
Tan said a notice was issued to a homeowner for blocking safety access with an illegal kitchen extension, but several other similar cases had not been acted on.
Gracious Aloysious Fernandez, 61, who lives in Jalan Kesuma, said he complained to MPKj in September 2021 regarding obstructions caused by illegal extensions.
“I also highlighted the risk of landslides and possible snake intrusion.
“In February 2022, I received a response from MPKj saying that my complaint would be referred to the Building Control Department for further action” he said, adding that the problem, however, still persisted.
Resident Vincent Raj urged authorities to act before a tragedy occurred.
“Whenever there is continuous rain for a few days, some trees on the slope will fall and the drains behind the houses get clogged with mud,” he said.
“The safety of residents is of utmost importance. All back lanes must be cleared from obstructions for our safety,” he added.
StarMetro had reached out to MPKj and Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim’s office for comments, but had yet to receive a response as at press time.
