KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said there was no overdevelopment in the area where the Taman Melawati landslide occurred.
He said the state government had issued planning permission for the area 10 years ago and had passed the Technical Committee for Development in Environmentally Sensitive Areas (KSAS).
"It's not yet fully complete. It's not a high-density development; it's more focused on bungalow lots.
"They went through the committee and it was approved. They went through the process. The issue is now about maintenance – maintenance of the roads and drainage that have been constructed.
"That's why I'm very particular about ensuring that our local councils make sure that if any reports or issues arise, they must remind the landowners to ensure that such incidents would not occur again," he told a press conference after visiting the landslide site at Jalan E6, Taman Melawati.
He also said the entire area, including the drain and road, is still under the jurisdiction of the developer or landowner.
"We have issued the necessary notices to the parties involved so that they can update and maintain the land and the route."
When asked whether penalties or actions will be taken, Amirudin said they will look at the laws available, however focus right now is to rescue and repair the affected areas and its people.
"We will look at the laws we have. Certainly, they are responsible. But at this point, during a disaster, the priority is to save and rescue people.
"We rescue people, ensure safety, and then proceed with maintenance and repair the damage, such as landslides. After that, we will take immediate action," he said.
Heavy rain led to a landslide along Jalan E6 in Taman Melawati, here yesterday.
Fire and Rescue Department personnel said the 20m by 20m slope had collapsed from a height of 30m.
Police have also ordered residents of 20 houses near the landslide to evacuate their homes.