SHAH ALAM: Residents living near a slope in Persiaran Kosmos, Section U5, fear for their safety after a landslide yesterday damaged a retaining wall and affected several houses.
Trader Mohd Haris Zulkifli, 26, said he was at a restaurant across the road when he noticed the slope gradually giving way.
“It happened gradually. Our neighbour’s house was affected the worst.
“They had built a mini gazebo in their backyard, which was completely destroyed when the landslide occurred,” he said when met at the scene today.
Haris, who has lived in the area for several years, said it was not the first landslide in the neighbourhood, claiming that a nearby house had been affected by a similar incident about a month ago.
“The house in front of us also experienced a landslide a few weeks ago. The retaining wall collapsed onto another house next door,” he said.
He said residents were increasingly worried about the slope’s stability, particularly during heavy rain.
“We thought that by living on a hill, we would be safe from flash floods. Who would have thought that we would instead have to worry about landslides?” he said.
Meanwhile, Kota Damansara assemblyman Izuan Kasim said the affected area had been declared a disaster zone following an initial assessment.
He said nearly eight houses were affected and their occupants had been instructed to evacuate.
“I have contacted the Selangor Menteri Besar, district officer and Sungai Buloh district police chief.
“All affected residents, particularly those occupying the eight houses, have been instructed to relocate and stay elsewhere or rent alternative accommodation,” he said.
Izuan said the state government would assist affected families with rental costs while awaiting the outcome of assessments to determine how the slope could be stabilised.
He said several agencies were assessing the soil condition before recommending remedial measures.
“Once the reports are received, we will examine the repair works that can be carried out by the state government. I believe disaster funds will be used for the repairs,” he said.
The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department said it received a distress call at 9.55am yesterday, with no casualties reported.