The Selangor government has declassified an investigation report on the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide which was released by Public Works Department (JKR) to the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).

khalid ibrahim 301009 At a press conference in Shah Alam today, Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he was using his powers under Section 2 (c) of the Official Secrets Act to declassify the report. Copies will be available to the public at the MPAJ office on Monday.

Quoting the report, Khalid attributed the main reason for the landslide to leaks from active pipes installed along abandoned houses. This increased the moisture level in the ground on the slopes.

"We hope the Bukit Antarabangsa residents will know the truth now that the full report has been released," he said, assuring that he will meet them in early January.

"We will also give our assistance to residents who have been affected by the landslide.”

bukit anatarabangsa landslide pdrm aerial photographs 101208 03 The landslide occurred in Taman Bukit Mewah, Bukit Antarabangsa on Dec 6, 2008 at 3.30am. The tragedy claimed five lives and destroyed 14 houses.

A summary of the report, made available to the press today, said a special technical landslide investigation committee had identified a series of three soil movements on the day of the incident. Each occurred over a span of three to five minutes.

The landslide, which 4ha of residential land, was due to a combination of factors:

NONE a) The soil had already been loosened on the slope during the development process.

b) Due to lack of maintenance of the drainage system, damage occurred on the slopes and the surrounding areas.

c) The condition deteriorated further due to the rainy season between October and November 2008.

d) Gradual soil erosion worsened the condition, leading to further collapse.

e) Soil erosion caused the active pipes to burst.

Recommendations made

The technical committee recommended that landslide-prone areas be identified before any development takes place.

It suggested that the damaged piping system be repaired, while the size of drains all over Bukit Antarabangsa is increased.

Equipment should be installed at high-risk areas to constantly monitor eroded soil, while the piping system on slopes should not be planted underground.

“The piping system and the sewage piping system in slope areas should be examined and constantly maintained to prevent leaks,” said the report.

bukit antarabangsa landslide 091208