KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Works Department (JKR) has been instructed to carry out a detailed technical investigation to determine the actual cause of the flooding incident that led to the collapse of a retaining wall near Phase 1B at Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), yesterday.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said JKR has also been directed to assess the structural integrity of the affected area and recommend additional mitigation measures without compromise.
“Any weaknesses in terms of implementation, supervision, technical compliance or site management must be identified and addressed immediately.
“The Ministry of Works (KKR) will not compromise on matters involving public safety,” he said in a Facebook post today.
He said immediate action has already been taken at the location, including clearing works at the incident site, removal of hoarding along Jalan Abang Haji Openg, installation of concrete barriers with geotextile over a stretch of about 200 metres, as well as desilting works and repairs to the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan system at the construction site.
Nanta said these measures are important to stabilise the situation and reduce subsequent risks.
Yesterday, the retaining wall near the project site for the completion of remaining works under the Bukit Kiara Federal Park Administrative Zone Development – Phase 1B at Jalan Abang Haji Openg collapsed following heavy rain.
He said preliminary reports showed that heavy rain between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm caused water overflow from the project site. Initial observations indicate that water capacity from the hillside caused an earth bund to rupture and flow into silt trap 1.
“The public drainage system downstream was found to be unable to effectively accommodate the flow, partly due to the presence of utility obstructions in certain sections, which led to water ponding, overflow onto the public road and exerted pressure on the existing retaining wall, causing part of it to collapse along with the hoarding,” he said.
Nanta urged all parties involved in the project to extend full cooperation to the authorities and comply with all technical instructions issued.
He said KKR will continue to monitor developments from time to time and ensure that follow-up actions are taken in a transparent and responsible manner, with a focus on public safety.
“I extend my sympathies to the affected residents and assure them that KKR is committed to ensuring that recovery, stabilisation and preventive measures are implemented as quickly as possible so that such incidents do not recur,” he said. – BERNAMA
