WITH the Highland Towers’ demolition scheduled for next month to make way for a recreational park, residents of Taman Sri Ukay Hillview in Ampang want details on the work.

While they welcome the plan to raze the two remaining towers, which have been abandoned for 25 years, they are concerned about their safety when the work begins.

The authorities should brief residents on the contractor’s demolition methods, as well as how it will mitigate noise and dust pollution, they said.

The residents also want to know how debris will be handled, the impact of the work on nearby homes and the routes to be taken by heavy vehicles accessing the site.

Taman Sri Ukay Hillview Residents’ Association president Siti Hendon Chik told The Malaysian Insight that the authorities must address the issue of safety before the demolition gets under way.

“We are most concerned about the safety of residents when the demolition takes place. We hope that the authorities will gives us a proper briefing before the work starts.”

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin announced that the demolition would take place next month.

The hilltop site will be turned into a park as the soil in the area is deemed unsafe for housing.

Zuraida said the demolition and clean-up, followed by the construction of a memorial, would be funded by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, adding that the Highland Towers developer had pledged RM2 million for the work.

Siti Hendon said residents want details on the demolition methods and duration of the work, and what residents near the site should expect.

She suggested that the area be cordoned off.

“This is for the safety of residents and the public.”

Association secretary Shila Kasim said the authorities must consult residents before the work commences.

“The demolition and any development must take into account the neighbourhood.

“We welcome the redevelopment plan. It’s a good move by the government.

“There must also be a briefing on the plan and residents should get regular updates on what is happening at the site.”

Both Siti Hendon and Shila said they welcome the plan for a park to be built on the site, where 48 people were killed when one the Highland Towers’ three blocks collapsed on December 11, 1993.

“Once the area is cleared up, we will feel safe and at peace. The park is a good gesture for the victims,” said Siti Hendon.

The tower’s collapse followed 10 days of rain, which caused a landslide. Besides the 48 who died, hundreds more people were injured.

Residents of the remaining two towers were evacuated immediately following the incident, and the buildings have been vacant ever since. – May 23, 2019.