THE long-awaited redevelopment Highland Towers will start as soon as the authorities get the necessary approvals.

The Housing and Local Government Ministry is in the midst of taking over the project, which will see the area developed into a recreational park with a memorial site.

Ministry Director-General Noor Ihsan Che Mat said the ministry is currently sorting out land acquisition and legal matters.

“The land clearing process will start only when these matters are finalised,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

The development proposal includes the construction of a memorial site to commemorate victims of the Highland Towers collapse.

Former housing and local government minister Zuraida Kamaruddin last year said the area will be cleared to make way for a recreational park.

The Finance Ministry has set aside RM8.9 million in federal government funds to acquire the 0.8ha site from the state government, she added.

Highland Towers is located in Ampang, Selangor.

Zuraida said development will start once the land clearing and demolition process is completed.

Noor Ihsan said all government expenditure must go through a set process.

This is in relation to legal matters and ensures project details are included in the Economic Planning Unit’s (EPU) annual rolling plan, he added.

“As the land acquisition-related legal matters are still unresolved, the funds have yet to be spent.

“The ministry will take on the project after obtaining EPU approval.”

The contractor or developer will be appointed once all processes are completed, he added.

The Selangor government in January last year agreed for the Housing and Local Government Ministry to manage land acquisition at its own cost (Land Acquisition Act 1960).

“The ministry has also held meetings with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, EPU, Malaysian Insolvency Department and Ampang Jaya Municipal Council,” said Noor Ihsan.

“This is to coordinate issues related to legislation, cost and commitment to develop the site as a recreational park with a memorial site.”

Taman Sri Ukay resident association representative Shila Kasim said residents are eagerly awaiting the ministry to get the necessary approvals.

“We have yet to get any update (from authorities)... on what will happen to the site.

“We welcome any change and eagerly wait for the demolition of the two towers.”

Residents also are concerned about the safety and security of the buildings, she added.

“Though there has not been any criminal activity here, but the towers can become a health hazard.

“We are anxious to have this sorted out and hope the ministry will take heed.”

Shila said the towers have become an eyesore in the area for the past 29 years.

In the Highland Towers incident, 48 people were killed when one of the three 12-storey condominium buildings collapsed from a landslide on December 11, 1993.

It was reported that the soil gave way following 10 days of rainfall.

Residents of the two other blocks were subsequently evacuated after the tragedy. – May 1, 2022.