KUALA LUMPUR: It was 21 years ago today that a tragedy struck the nation and truly shocked all who heard about it.
On Dec 11, 1993, a 12-storey block of the Highland Towers condominium collapsed. It took with it 48 souls, 12 of whom were foreigners, leaving a deep scar in Malaysian history.
Time may have past, but the tragedy still haunts many of us.
Block 1 of the condo in Taman Hillview, Ulu Klang, Selangor, collapsed at 1.35pm after 10 days of continuous rain, the increased flow of underground water said to have weakened the foundation upon which it was built.
Residents of the two remaining blocks of Highland Towers were ordered to evacuate the following day, as fears remained that those blocks were also in danger of collapsing.
The tragedy made headlines in many countries which led them to assist with the search and rescue mission. Countries such as Singapore, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan extended their expertise to the Malaysian rescue team.
Rescue teams worked endlessly for nine days before the mission was called off.
Blocks 2 and 3 are still visible today, but they remain abandoned.
Last year, our reporters visited Highland Towers to see what was left behind. Besides, graffiti and empty rooms, most of the materials such as doors, window panes and others were stolen.
And every year, those who lost loved ones and those who lost their homes return on Dec 11 to remember what was once a lively neighbourhood, though as time passes, fewer people make the trip each year.
The New Straits Times would like to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy and those who suffered through it.