Latest news with #DrainageandBuildingAct1974
Hype Malaysia
3 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
3 days ago
- The Star
Selayang folk upset over rubble of illegal car wash on field
Lee (centre) speaking to Loke (right) while Chua looks on in Taman Daya. In the foreground are the concrete slabs left on the field. Residents of Taman Daya in Selayang, Selangor, are raising their concerns over rubble, including concrete with jagged edges, left on a public field following the demolition of an illegal car wash structure. They point out that the rubble could injure field users, or trap stagnant water and potentially become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Resident Loke Kim Soon said the car wash had been operating illegally for more than a decade on part of the field along Jalan Daya 16. 'I used to hang out at the park with friends but the illegal car wash took over our spot. 'We are glad the authorities have demolished it, but the rubble that remains is an eyesore,' he told StarMetro. Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) complaints and welfare bureau (central) head Lee Hoi Eng said he hoped Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) would help clear the area. 'We fear the site might attract people who dump rubbish illegally,' he said. Lee also said that the field had been untouched for years and called for some upgrades. 'We suggest a jogging track be built for the benefit of residents,' he added. Also present was Kepong PRM chairman Chua Yi Ken. When contacted by StarMetro, an MPS spokesperson said the unauthorised structure operating on Jalan Daya 16 was demolished on Feb 20. 'Enforcement action was taken in accordance with Section 46(1)(a) of Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974. 'After the demolition, the owner of the structure was instructed to clear the site but did not do so. 'As such, MPS will clean up the site shortly and the associated costs will be charged to the owner,' said the spokesperson. — By JAROD LIM
The Star
5 days ago
- General
- The Star
MPAJ awaits green light to demolish Highland Towers
An aerial view of Highland Towers in Hulu Kelang. — Filepic A DECISION on whether the remaining blocks of Highland Towers in Hulu Kelang, Selangor, can be demolished is expected in two months. The Ampang Magistrate Court is set to deliver its decision on July 25. Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) filed for a court order last year to proceed with the demolition of two long-abandoned blocks. MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the local council must wait for the court's ruling. '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 after chairing the local council's monthly full board meeting at Menara MPAJ in Pandan Indah yesterday. Hasrolnizam says MPAJ must wait for court's ruling. Last year, MPAJ initiated the process to demolish the remaining blocks, following multiple complaints from neighbouring residents. Then president Dr Ani Ahmad had said MPAJ would issue a notice to the property owners to demolish the structures. She had also said due process would be carried out according to Sections 87, 88 and 89 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133). These relate to nuisances (Sections 87 and 88) and demolition of a house unfit for habitation (Section 89). At the time, she said the demolition was estimated to cost between RM6mil and RM7mil. On Dec 11, 1993, one of the three Highland Towers blocks collapsed, killing 48 in the nation's worst housing tragedy. Residents of the two remaining towers were evacuated for safety reasons and eventually, the area was abandoned. In 2018 then Housing and Local Government minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said the site would be turned into a recreational park after demolition of the remaining towers, as the area was unsuitable for any structure. However, this failed to materialise. Separately, Hasrolnizam said RM7.5mil had been set aside for upgrading and maintenance works this year, as part of MPAJ's people-centric development approach. He said the allocation aligned with the recent assessment tax revision, which saw an increase in rates. 'Some of the planned projects include upgrading food courts and markets, as well as maintaining facilities at recreational areas,' he said. Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim had recently instructed all local councils to improve infrastructure and services with the increased revenue. Ng added that local councils had been directed to carry out between five and 10 short- and long-term projects as part of the revision. In addition to MPAJ's funds, Hasrolnizam said a total allocation of RM25mil from state and Federal governments would be used to support various improvement projects. This includes RM20.3mil under the Malaysian Road Records Information System allocation. He said part of a RM4.8mil allocation from the Federal Government would be used for 21 projects to construct new bus-stops and pedestrian walkways.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
DBKL tears down illegal billboards in Bangsar
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has taken enforcement action to dismantle unauthorised billboard structures in Bangsar, within the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency. The joint operation, carried out two days ago in collaboration with the police and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), saw the removal of two billboards, each measuring about 6m by 3m. The structures were erected on road reserve land without any approval or valid licence from the local authority. "Two notices were issued to the owners on April 9 and May 16, directing them to dismantle the structures and clear the site within the stipulated time frame," DBKL said in a statement today. The enforcement was conducted under Section 70 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974. The dismantled structures have since been transported to DBKL's Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department storage depot in Jalan Cheras for safekeeping and disposal processing. "This action is part of our ongoing commitment to maintain urban order and ensure all physical structures in Kuala Lumpur comply with existing regulations," DBKL added. The operation is also in support of the city's preparations to host the 46th Asean Summit next week. "This initiative aligns with our goal to present Kuala Lumpur as a well-managed, sustainable and law-abiding city that embodies a modern and efficient urban identity," it said. It added that integrated enforcement operations of this nature would continue to be carried out periodically across the city.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Eight compounds issued to six road excavation contractors in KL
DBKL and CIDB personnel inspecting a road excavation contractor in Kuala Lumpur. — Courtesy photo KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has issued eight compounds to road excavation contractors for violating the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133). In a social media post, it said that these contractors were carrying out work in Cheras, Bandar Tun Razak, Lembah Pantai, Segambut and Bukit Bintang. 'Some of the offences are absence of road blinker lights and traffic controllers, causing obstruction on public roads as well as piling up road excavation waste in a public space,' it said. According to DBKL, the operation was conducted with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). They inspected six contractors conducting road repairs across different locations in the city. 'Permit approvals, work procedures and other aspects were inspected to ensure the safety of workers, road users and the public as well as smooth traffic flow,' said DBKL. It added that CIDB also issued two notices to contractors who did not comply with the notice of information submission for approval to commence on-site construction works. Earlier, City Hall had also issued 35 compounds to traders who violated Act 133 around Lorong Haji Taib and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. DBKL said these traders had placed their goods in public spaces without approval, littered public areas and blocked drains with waste, affecting water flow. It added that the compounds were issued during its anti-litter enforcement operation. 'Besides taking action around Kuala Lumpur periodically, the operation also aims to instil a sense of responsibility among traders to always maintain cleanliness around their business premises. 'A clean environment can help portray a good image to visitors. 'At the same time, DBKL has also taken action and issued compounds to traders who are still causing obstruction on walkways in front of and behind their premises,' it added.
