AMPANG JAYA: There have been no new soil movements detected at the landslide site in Taman Melawati, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
The Deputy Works Minister said the unfortunate incident involved only the soil on the surface of the hill, while its underlying sedimentary rocks remain strong.
“Investigation by the Public Works Department’s slope engineering branch found early signs (of landslide) such as slanted trees and some cracks on the road surface.
“(Following the landslide), there is debris consisting of a mixture of wet soil and remnants of fallen trees, beside the toppled security post next to Jalan E6.
“The slope failed due to soil erosion on the surface. The sedimentary rocks underneath the hill are still strong,” he said following a visit to the incident site on Wednesday (Oct 16).
Ahmad noted that a meeting has been scheduled on Friday (Oct 18) with the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council slope engineering branch and the developer, which is the owner of the sloped land involved.
“The meeting is to look for a permanent solution and a way forward to ensure slope stability and the residents’ safety,” he said
For now, Ahmad said remedial works would focus on short-term mitigation, including clearing debris and fallen trees, and temporary diversion of water channels uphill, including covering up the affected slope with canvas.
Minerals and Geoscience Department director-general Zamri Ramli, who was also present, said the hill generally consists of schist, a type of rock that has exposed mineral grains, which makes the area relatively firmer.
He was rebutting the perception that the area consisted of limestone, saying that it was not true when asked by the media.
