Batang Kali landslide: Slope did not show early signs of failure, says Selangor exco member

HULU SELANGOR: There were no early signs that the slope next to the Father's Organic Farm campsite was going to give way, says Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture executive committee chairman Izham Hashim.

He said this was based on an initial report from the Public Works Department on slope damage.

"It happened suddenly and it has been two days since this area saw heavy rain.

"We estimate that at least 500,000 tonnes of soil collapsed along the road," he told reporters at the scene on Friday (Dec 15).

He said forensic teams were conducting investigations in the area.

"There were no signs of cracks or fallen trees at the top of the slope so we believe the issue lies at the foothills.

"The slope filled all criteria to be classified as safe prior to the incident," he said.

He said all recreational areas in the Batang Kali area had been ordered to close until further notice.