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Hype Malaysia
6 days ago
- General
- Hype Malaysia
Remaining Highland Towers To Be Demolished For Up To RM7 Million?
One of Malaysia's most haunting landmarks may finally meet its end, over three decades after tragedy struck. The notorious and tragic Highland Towers in Hulu Keang, Selangor. Known for the collapse of Tower Block 1 in the heavy rain, which took 48 lives in 1993. Once a symbol of upscale living, the now-abandoned complex has long stood as a ghostly reminder of the past, drawing concern from nearby residents and urban explorers alike. Over the years, safety risks and community complaints have reignited calls for its demolition, raising the question: what should become of this scarred site? A decision on whether the two remaining Highland Towers blocks can be demolished is expected in two months, with the Ampang Magistrate Court scheduled to deliver its verdict on July 25. The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), which filed for a court order last year, has been actively pursuing the clearance of the abandoned structures after years of inaction and public concern. According to MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari, the council must wait for the court's ruling before proceeding with any demolition work. 'Once the court delivers its verdict, MPAJ has to inform the state government. Only after receiving the state government's input can MPAJ move forward,' he said during the council's monthly full board meeting held at Menara MPAJ, Pandan Indah. In light of the repeated complaints from nearby residents, the council began the process of demolishing the remaining blocks. MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad had stated that demolition notices would be issued to the property owners and that the process would follow Sections 87, 88, and 89 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) — laws that relate to public nuisances and buildings unfit for habitation. While the cost of demolition would cost a pretty penny of RM6 million and RM7 million, the abandoned blocks could be transformed into a public recreational park, according to stalled plans from 2018 by then Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin. Should the court grant approval and the Selangor state government give the green light, MPAJ will finally be able to proceed with the long-delayed demolition. What comes after remains unclear, but residents and urban planners alike hope it will bring closure and new opportunities for the community. If the court and state government approve, MPAJ can finally proceed with demolishing the long-abandoned Highland Towers blocks — a move many hope will bring closure and spark new possibilities for the site. At the same time, the council is advancing wider urban upgrades with RM7.5 million allocated for local infrastructure and an additional RM25 million from state and federal sources to support roadworks, public amenities, and pedestrian-friendly projects, reflecting a broader push for people-focused development in the area. What would you do with the Highland Towers? Source: The Star Gan contributed to this article. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
MPAJ: No foreigners on frontline
FOREIGN workers are still manning counters at businesses in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, although this is not permitted, says Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ). Its president Dr Ani Ahmad reminds business owners that foreigners are prohibited from serving in frontline roles, including at service counters. She said MPAJ would be sending out reminders on the ruling to operators. 'This is a needed reminder as there are many instances where we find foreign workers manning the counters,' she said during the local council's monthly full board meeting at Menara MPAJ yesterday. Licensing and Entrepreneurial Development Department director Addy Hissham Elias said only foreign workers with valid Immigration Department permits were allowed to work in any business. 'Even with a valid permit, they are not allowed to work in frontline positions like manning the counter. 'Only the business owner or a Malaysian employee is allowed to handle transactions. 'If violations are found, enforcement action can be taken,' he said. Their response came after councillor Engku Faizan Azhar Che Engku Husin urged MPAJ to clarify its position following a new directive from Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) banning foreign workers from operating or working at food stalls and kiosks under its jurisdiction starting June 1. MBDK states that only Malaysians are allowed to work at stalls and kiosks, regardless of whether the foreign workers had valid immigration permits. On another matter, Ani said MPAJ recorded a 30.47% rise in assessment tax collection this year, with RM44.3mil collected as of March 31. This is a RM10.3mil increase in collection compared to the same period last year, she added. Based on MPAJ's 2025 Budget, Ani said the local council aimed to collect RM93mil in current assessment tax. 'The Revenue Department has taken action against defaulters by issuing Form E for assessment tax arrears for April in commercial and residential areas. 'This involves 566 accounts with total outstanding arrears amounting to RM556,976.93.' The areas include Taman Pandan Perdana, Taman Bukit Pandan, Taman Mawar, Taman Bukit Permai, Kampung Cheras Baru and Taman Ukay Perdana. 'An assessment tax operation in Taman Melawati on April 23 recovered RM13,454.80 of the total RM43,795.50 in outstanding arrears,' the council chief disclosed. At the close of the meeting, Ani said this was her final full board session as MPAJ president, as her tenure ended on April 30. 'I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to council members and all MPAJ staff for their support throughout my two years here. 'I hope the efforts to enhance MPAJ's tax and non-tax revenue, as well as its Endowment Fund, will continue in the future. 'There have been many memories and valuable experiences during my time at MPAJ, which I will carry with me to my next posting,' she said. Ani was appointed MPAJ president in May 2023. Prior to that, she was the former district officer of Hulu Langat.
