Letter to MB Tan Sri Khalid

Date : 14th December 2008

TO :

YAB Tan Sri Abdul Khalid bin Ibrahim
Menteri Besar Selangor D.E.

YAB Tan Sri,

Issues of Concern by Residents of Bukit Antarabangsa Resultant from the Recent Landslide
We, the representatives of the residents of Bukit Antarabangsa, after several meetings with the residents, wish to bring to your attention the following issues :-

Points for discussion:

1. SEEKING IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS :

• The missing maid of Mr. Thana and the late Dr. Yoges
• It is not 14 houses that are affected but it is in fact 24 houses
• A need to survey and inspect all properties and its surroundings. E.g. the main drain (beside the main road which are showing new cracks)
• Jalan Wangsa 9: when can the road be reopened

2. COMPENSATION :

• We want to echo MB’s statement.

3. REPORTS & FINDINGS :

• We insist these be made available to the committee and thereafter to the public. E.g.:
• - JKR Report
• - IKRAM Bhd Report
• - Jabatan Mineral and Geoscience Report

4. ASSISTANCE ;

• In the event a need to remove / demolish properties, the owner or his appointed representative is present (non-negotiable).
  
• Basic needs – reestablishing of water supply
  
• Support and financial assistance to the families of those who perished in the disaster
  
• Appointing our committee member be part of your investigation committee
  

5. VOICES FROM THE RESIDENTS

• We have 12 categories of major concerns which need to be addressed immediately

• The committee is continuing to collect and collate feedback from the residents

FROM :
The Action Committee Bukit Antarabangsa Residents

Residents Meet (14th Dec)

Residents, meeting tomorrow (14th December 2008) Sunday at 10 am, BURGER KING. Please document:-

1. Your complaints and grievances. (Eg.: Reported a crack & no action taken, recent cracks, cracks, etc.)
2. What do you want authorities to do for you, your taman, etc.

Documentations in black and white are most important. All these will help us in filing for evidence and also sorting out actions to be taken to rectify damages and put forward to relevant authorities. Please put down your name, address and contact number. Feel free to write. For your information, our regular meetings and follow-ups have contributed tremendously into actions taken.

Thank you.

YENHEE
The above post was sent via SMS

JKR still working

Dear residents,
It is Saturday, 13th Dec, 8.30 am and I am now inspecting the site of Jalan Wangsa 9. All sumps have been concreted. JKR is still working on tarpaulins.

YENHEE
The above post was sent via SMS

Residents Meet (13th Dec)

Dear residents,
There was a residents meeting with Minister of Works, YB Azmin Ali and head of uuthorities on the morning of 13th December 2008 (Saturday) . Brief notes from the meeting are as follow:

1. Before we could get down with the issues, the Minister of Work walked out on us.
2. YB Azmin went to site with us to identify the sumps and had been immediatedly addressed. Huat Lim confirmed that there are in total 8 sumps 4 lines to be concreted today.
3. Tarpaulins are in process since this morning and still working on. I left the site (Jalan Wangsa 9) at 3 pm.
4. YB will look into getting ten cars that are trapped belonging to houses number 47, 43, 41, 39, 37 and 31, Jalan Wangsa 9. Please stand by.
5. Rubbish collection on all affected areas to be addressed.

Kindly note that Sunday's meeting with MB will only be with representatives and committee members. I would like to thank you for your support.

YENHEE
The above post was sent via SMS

Appeal Letter to MPAJ

Since there has been a lack of information being disseminated by IKRAM & JKR, I have organised a briefing from time to time within my community to update all information that I can get hold of. We feel that independent sources are required to advise us on our situations. Below is an appeal letter sent by hand to MPAJ. A meeting was secured for residents to meet TYDP MPAJ, En. Abdul Hamid (YDP was not able to attend) at Jalan Wangsa 9, 10 am Friday 12th December 2008.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JALAN WANGSA 9 RESIDENTS COMMITTEE
_____________________________________________

Our Ref.: Wgsa9-MPAJ/01
Date : 11th December 2008

Dato' Mohamad Yaacob
Yang Di-Pertua
Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya

Yang Mulia Dato'

An Appeal From Residents of Jalan Wangsa 9, Taman Wangsa Ukay, Bukit Antarabangsa, Ulu Kelang, Selangor Darul Ehsan

We, the undersigned, as residents of the houses on Jalan Wangsa 9 respectfully request that Dato', as the Yang DiPertua of Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya, use your good office to look into several issues which we feel require to be acted upon immediately in respect of the current landslide problem resulting in all of us being ordered to leave our homes on Jalan Wangsa 9.

We have, on Thursday 11th December 2008, had a meeting with some independent Civil Engineering Consultants led by Ir. Dr Ooi Teck Aun (Geo Technical Engineer), Ir. Dr Tan Yean Guan (Geo Technical Engineer), Mr. Tan Boon Kong (Geologist) and Ir. Peter T T Chiam (Past President Institution Engineers Malaysia) to discuss the immediate measures that need to be taken to safeguard our properties by addressing the following issues: -

1. Arrest further deterioration of Jalan Wangsa 9, Wangsa Ukay - and consequently the 2 blocks of houses at the top of the slope failure - to safeguard our interests.

2. To stabilise the failed slope so that there are no further failures or the failure does not widen.

Being residents in the area, we may be able to offer our assistance to the technical personnel who are currently investigating the disaster. Some residents have identified that some roadside drain sumps on Jalan Wangsa 5 and 9 which drain into Jalan Wangsa 9 have failed resulting in further water draining into the slope, thereby further aggravating the problem. These sumps will need to be repaired immediately to prevent further water ingress into the subsoil strata and hence the failed slope.

Based on visual evidence, there is very clear evidence of excessive water on the failed slope (evidence of primary cause of failure). This has to be drained immediately so that the slope can be stabilised as soon as possible for the subsequent work to commence.

In view of the continued wet weather, tarpaulins will need to be placed at the top of the slopes to prevent further surface water seepage into the slope causing further instability and danger to both lives and property.

We believe that immediate action can be taken on the items mentioned above to control the damage while a longer term plan can be put in place to solve the problem on a long term basis. We also believe that these short term measures will not affect the overall long term plan and studies that are being studied and formulated to address the current hardship and threat to our properties on Jalan Wangsa 9.

In addition to the above, we would like to appeal that a formal channel of communication be opened between us and YDP's representatives so that we do not rely on unsubstantiated rumours for current information on the status of the situation. This channel of communication will help keep us informed of the progress of the immediate, mid-term and long term plans so that we can also make plans with respect to looking for alternative accommodation and moving our valuables out of our houses, some of which have been lived in for well excess of 20 years.

We appeal to your good office to consider our request to put into immediately some of the suggestions to arrest further deterioration of the instability of the slope thereby threatening our properties as well as appointing a liaison officer to keep us, the affected residents, informed of what is being done to solve the dilemma that we are currently facing.

Thank you very much for your attention and favourable consideration of our plight.

Yours faithfully,

SIGNED - RESIDENTS OF JALAN WANGSA 9 (enclosed)

c.c. ADUN Bukit Antarabangsa YB Encik Azmin Ali

Enc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Immediate actions to be taken, close monitoring & follow ups:

1. Sumps will need to be repaired immediately to prevent further water ingress into the subsoil strata and hence the failed slope.
2. The excessive water on the failed slope has to be drained immediately so that the slope can be stabilised as soon as possible for the subsequent work to commence.
3. Tarpaulins will need to be placed at the top of the slopes to prevent further surface water seepage into the slope causing further instability and danger to both lives and property which we are very surprised that such prevention has not been attended to. Only small portion was covered.
4. A formal channel of communication be opened between us and YDP's representatives so that we do not rely on unsubstantiated rumours for current information on the status of the situation.

NOTE: All residents, please note that I do not have internet accessibility (evacuated) so as much as I would like to disseminate more information, I am rather held up. I shall try to put as much minutes of meeting to my blog.

Ong Ka Chuan's Comment

RTM 1 Midnight News: 12th December 2008 – Parliamentary debate. Lim Kit Siang quoted what Ong Ka Chuan said is equivalent to second Samy Velu. Out of the 4 days since the disaster, he was not seen (only yesterday at the site) came out to give such comment that this is “an act of god”. This is because Ong Ka Chuan has said that “there is no clear evidence of the landslide is man made”. Not only this, he also said that MPAJ has informed him that there has no recent development been going on in Bukit Antarabangsa. Then again, Lim Kit Siang debated that even without the presence of new development, it doesn’t mean that the disaster is not man made.

What I have to say is, the “latest development” that I am aware of or rather the whole residents of Bukit Antarabangsa know is the Siarah Oak Leaf comprising of semi bungalows, sitting on a 30° to 45° slopes (stand to be corrected). On the very same side of the hill where Wangsa 9 is. Such naive statement is a disgrace to the nation when lives have been swept and we have a minister who can just make such sweeping statement. For the last many days since the occurrence of the landslide, we have heard many versions of stories and political debates. What we have not heard is a single word just yet the immediate remedial measures to be taken. We have to stand united to be heard. We are the residents, we live here and we know that the cause of the landslide is purely the negligence of maintenance.

Meeting with MPAJ

BRIEF NOTES OF MEETING BETWEEN MPAJ & BA LANDSLIDE ACTION COMMITTEE

__________________________________________________
Present :

Representing Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ):

- Encik Abdul Hamid Bin Hussain, Timbalan Yang Di Pertua
- Puan Hajjah Norhayati Binti Ahmad, Pegawai Penerangan

Members of BA Landslide Action Committee (the Committee):

- Y. Bhg. Datuk M. Muneandy (Committee Chairman)

- representatives of residents of various roads of Wangsa Ukay

__________________________________________________

The meeting was called to seek the responses of MPAJ to various issues raised by the residents of Bukit Antarabangsa, in particular the residents of Jalan Wangsa 9, Wangsa Ukay where the landslide started on 6th December, 2008. The issues raised were the result of the feedback obtained from residents at the 1st Meeting of the Committee held on 10th December, 2008.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISSUE NO. 1 :

Since the occurrence of the Landslide on the 6th December 2008, have there been any steps taken to ascertain the cause or causes of the Landslides i.e. Geotechnical Studies?

Response from MPAJ
The Authorities require 10 days for the geotechnical studies to be completed before any announcement or proposed action could be taken to address the condition of the various locations affected by the landslide.

The Police has directed residents living in 5 areas designated as critical or “red areas” as identified by Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR), such Jalan Wangsa 9, Taman Bukit Mewah and Impian Selatan Condominium, to evacuate for safety reasons.

MPAJ would bring to the attention of JKR, which is leading the geotechnical studies, the request of the residents.

MPAJ is not in the position or has no authority to address some of the issues as the Task Force Committee is led by the Selangor Chief Police Officer. However, MPAJ will bring up the matter with the relevant authority.

Request of the Committee/Residents
The residents be represented by being included in the Task Force Committee set up by the Authorities so that the residents are kept properly informed of the situation as presently there is a lack of correct information communicated to the residents. The residents are now getting information from the printed media, TV or radio and some of the information seem to be conflicting or inaccurate.

The concern of the residents is that, no information has been disseminated and this causes a lot of anxiety and uncertainty.

The residents requested that they be privy to the progress of the geotechnical studies.

COMMENTS: Residents realise that 10 days is far too long. Immediate measure should be looked into.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ISSUE NO. 2 :

What measures have the Authorities taken to safeguard the Area and the Safety of the occupants?

Response of MPAJ
The Police has given the assurance that the properties and belongings of the affected residents would be protected.

COMMENTS: Constant checks show that certain times there was no police at all. As a result, our properties are exposed to strangers which will also lead to looting and vandalising. Even with the presence of the police, strangers are allowed to sight-seeing the place. This has caused tremendous traffic jam, unnecessary chaos and worst of all, the weight of unnecessary vehicles moving in and out can further jeopardise the situation.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISSUE NO. 3 :

How long is it expected before the residents can safely return to their homes?

Response of MPAJ
The affected residents have to wait for the geotechnical studies to be completed before the Authorities can make any announcement or decision on the matter.

The Police would be notified.

Request of the Committee/Residents
The residents raised the issue of compensation for the affected residents and whether the Authorities would consider the matter.

(It was reported in the newspapers that the Prime Minister had said that the Government is considering compensation for the victims of the landslide)

The residents also raised the matter that compensation should be considered before residents are directed to evacuate.

COMMENT: As on 9th December 2008, it was announced in TV3 (only) 8pm news that the government is not paying compensation to victims of landslide. The Minister of Housing, Ong Kah Chuen said that there is no evidence that the disaster is man-made.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISSUE NO. 4 :

What steps have been taken to address the drainage situation at Wangsa 9, which has been neglected for years?

Response of MPAJ
The concerns and request of the residents would be addressed following the geotechnical studies.

Request of the Committee / Residents
The residents requested that proper action be taken to address the poor drainage situation, especially in Jalan Wangsa 9 and its vicinity and the row of abandoned houses along Jalan Wangsa 9 and 11.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ISSUE NO. 5:

Since we have been evacuated from our homes, can the authorities ensure that our belongings / properties are safe and not subjected to looting? In the event of any losses, will the relevant authorities be responsible for them?

Response of MPAJ
This issue is addressed by the Police and MPAJ will bring the issue to the attention of the Police.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ISSUE NO.6:

When can the Wangsa 9 road be made safe and accessible again?

ISSUE NO. 7:

What steps have been taken to render the trees is safe to the residents of Wangsa 9 and Bukit Antarabangsa?

ISSUE NO. 8:

What are the immediate shot term and long term plans? This should not be restricted to Wangsa9 but the entire Bukit Antarabangsa Area?

Response of MPAJ
These issues can only be addressed after the geotechnical studies are completed and deliberated by the Authorities.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER MATTERS
Request by the Committee/Residents

The affected residents of Jalan Wangsa 9 requested that MPAJ provide the necessary machinery and assistance to enable these residents to take out their motor vehicles and other belongings as there is a fallen tree across the road preventing access.

The Committee requested that MPAJ designate one of its personnel to be the liaison officer for the Committee to liaise and communicate with. The Committee has nominated Mdm. Yen Hee to be the liaison person representing the Committee to liaise with MPAJ.

The Committee also requested that MPAJ organise a meeting for the Committee to meet with the Heads of the various government agencies and departments involved with the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide.

Response of MPAJ
MPAJ will assist the affected residents to remove their motor vehicles and belongings.

COMMENT: In what ways and how?

MPAJ will nominate Puan Hajjah Norhayati Binti Ahmad as the liaison officer.

MPAJ will take up the request of the Committee.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Landslide - 6th Dec 2008

We are all very saddened by the landslide that took place on the 6th December 2008. On behalf of all residents of Wangsa 9, Bukit Antarabangsa, we would like to express our sincere condolences to victims who were directly or indirectly affected by the tragedy. The rescue operations have done what they have to do but it is very sad that no authorities have taken immediate attention to realize where it comes from. We, the residents of Wangsa 9, are in dire straits as certain part of Wangsa 9 has been caved in. Authorities should come up with remedial measures to prevent the slopes from further erosion. A lot of attention has been channeled to Bukit Mewah where the cause of the landslide has been overlooked. In fact, if Wangsa 9 is not immediately attended to, it will cause a more catastrophic effect to the whole of Bukit Antarabangsa. Realising this, Wangsa 9 residents would like the following queries to be addressed immediately. Please continue reading on questions posted in the meeting with TYDP of MPAJ. A request in black and white and signed by all residents was submitted to MPAJ after the discussion.

BUKIT ANTARABANGSA LANDSLIDE ACTION COMMITTEE

RE: LANDSLIDE AT WANGSA UKAY, BA

The residents of Jalan Wangsa 9, would like the following queries to be addressed immediately by the relevant Authorities.

1. Since the occurrence of the Landslide on the 6th December 2008, have there been any steps taken to ascertain the cause or causes of the Landslides i.e. Geotechnical Studies?

2. What measures have the Authorities taken to safeguard the Area and the Safety of the occupants?

3. How long is it expected before the residents can safely return to their homes?

4. What steps have been taken to address the drainage situation at Wangsa 9, which has been neglected for years?

5. Since we have been evacuated from our homes, can the authorities ensure that our belongings / properties are safe and not subjected to looting? In the event of any losses, will the relevant authorities be responsible for them?

6. When can the Wangsa 9 road be made safe and accessible again?

7. What steps have been taken to render the trees is safe to the residents of Wangsa 9 and Bukit Antarabangsa?

8. What are the immediate shot term and long term plans? This should not be restricted to Wangsa 9 but the entire Bukit Antarabangsa Area?