Problem with Development Control – in view of the recent landslide in Hulu Kelang

There is obviously problems regarding development control. The local authority is the governing body that makes sure that development control processes actually work. But clearly something did not work this morning at 4 am in Hulu Kelang when some people died and some more buried in a landslide. (Bernama Report)

What are site inspection checks? Some overseas sample -  (Link1, Link2, Link3)

As a bread and butter procedure with regards to development control, site inspection checks are essential to maintain health and safety. Who are the developers of Bukit Antarabangsa? Who does site inspection checks? Who are the owners of Bukit Antarabangsa development? Finger-pointing is always the norm in Malaysia after a tragedy. Have we not learned anything after the Highlands Towers disaster in December 1993?

No we haven’t.

In the Bernama report, it is quoted as saying:

These landslides are believed to have been caused by movement of underground water, a condition made worse by the heavy rainfall in recent weeks.

Sure. This is like saying Malaysia experience monsoon rainy season  in the month of  December. Of course there is movement of underground water and of course, when there is more rainfall, there is more movement.

The question is:

What do we do about that?

Do we anticipate the extra movement?

Have the landscaping design and construction of the  of hill-slopes dealt with the movement?

If yes, how much of the movement has it dealt with?

Who is responsible for the landscaping work?

Who is responsible for the monitoring and site inspection?

MPAJ of course. The local authority concern. If not MPAJ directly, then MPAJ will audit the report of the consultant involved in the monitoring of the situation. The end of the road belongs to the local authority and in this case is MPAJ.

However, I do not intend to blame MPAJ alone. There must be some sort of overhaul of the system. We cannot afford the solve piecemeal style anymore. Hill-slide development – surely there have been recommendations of how to solve the problems of water movement in the earth. Drainage issues in particular.

What is the problem really?

There are a few assumptions -

• In general, the society in Malaysia do not want to pay for the cost of extra work or quality work.
• Lack of expertise or skills in finishing projects or not really have the expertise, but take on the project anyway.
• Lack of site inspection or having the skilled man power to do site inspection.

And many others regarding the development process. The owners, the consultants and those who undertook the project.

Well, we are back to square one, after 15 years, we still have not solved the problem.