KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty-two residents from 17 terrace houses in Taman Bunga Raya, Jalan Genting Klang, near Wardieburn Camp, were evacuated after part of a retaining wall at the housing area collapsed due to heavy rain yesterday.
Wangsa Maju police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Lazim Ismail said that a relief centre had been set up at the Bunga Raya Badminton Hall to accommodate the victims, comprising 26 men and 26 women. However, some chose to seek temporary shelter with relatives or friends, while others checked into hotels.
"The incident occurred around 5.30pm yesterday, and on the advice of the Fire and Rescue Department, we instructed the occupants of the 17 terrace houses to vacate their homes," Mohamad Lazim said.
He added that although the houses appear unaffected, with the landslide about two feet away, the evacuation was ordered due to concerns about soil movement.
Mohamad Lazim provided the update during a press conference following the handover ceremony for the new Dang Wangi police chief.
He added that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would continue cleaning the affected area today.
"The situation has been under control since last night, with a mobile police station on-site and the road to the area closed," he said.
At the handover ceremony, Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob witnessed the transfer of duties from acting Dang Wangi police chief Superintendent Nuzulan Mohd Din to the new chief, Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, who previously served as the principal assistant director of Intelligence and Special Investigations at the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department's Wildlife Crime Bureau. – BERNAMA