THE Public Works Department (PWD) found leakages in the water piping system at the landslide-hit main entrance of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) at Persiaran Tunku Syed Sirajuddin, Bukit Tunku yesterday. 

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said PWD’s Slope Engineering Branch’s Landslide Forensic Division during preliminary investigations on the incident. 

He said pipe leakages led to the soil being fully saturated, further increasing the lateral force on the contiguous micropile retaining wall. 

“Part of the retaining wall collapsed along with the slope,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Nanta said rainfall readings of between 16.0mm and 47.5mm were recorded at Sentul Station from April 21 to 24. 

On the day of the incident, the weather was good with no rain at all, he added.

He said PWD also required the as-built drawing of the existing retaining wall structure from the building owner for further checks on the retaining wall structure.

Nanta also said site clearing works at the main entrance will begin this afternoon through an appointed contractor. 

Also to begin this afternoon is the installation of tarpaulin sheets in the collapsed area to prevent rainwater from seeping directly into the ground.

“Works to install tilt sensors to monitor ground movement is expected to take place from tomorrow,” Nanta said.

MACA reportedly vacated its entire building and transferred 45 people after a landslide occurred at around 1.30pm yesterday. 

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said 22 officers, 16 cleaning crew and seven quarters residents, including families of officers, were moved to a safe area. – Bernama, April 26, 2023.