About 50 residents of Taman Sri Ukay, Bukit Antarabangsa in Ampang vented their frustration against the construction of condominiums near the Highland Towers.
The group gathered at a nearby restaurant around 10am before proceeding to a bus stop along the highway that runs near their neighbourhood, hoping their voices will be heard by other residents and members of the public.
The residents carried banners that read; 'KAMI BANTAH PEMBANGUNAN KONDO DI SEKITAR HIGHLAND TOWERS' (We are protesting the construction of condos near Highland Towers), 'Say no Highland Towers Part 2!! Once is enough', "Highland Towers - Graveyard without a stone", "No more tragedies", "Horn to support" and 'Kami bantah Highland Towers v.2' (We are against Highland Towers 2.0).
They also donned white T-shirts with the messages protesting the new development in the landslide prone area.
The residents then proceeded to another area to present their petition against the construction.
According to Special Action Committee spokesperson Lee Joo Khim, the gathering was to highlight the need for the government to be consistent, transparent and accountable in the application of development rules.
“It is our sincere hope in our united stand today, our local council MPAJ will take heed of our concerns and demands for information,” Joo Khim said.
She added that the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) holds the responsibility to assess the project and expects MPAJ and perform their duty diligently to ensure the Highland Towers nightmare in 1993 does not occur again.
Meanwhile, Hulu Kelang state assemblyman Saari Sungip has agreed to bring the matter up at the next Selangor State Assembly sitting on Nov 19.
“The responsibility of the state government is to safeguard the people’s lives and belongings and the local council must also be more sensitive towards the people’s voices and needs,” said Saari after receiving a petition by one of the residents’ representative.
Saari supported the protest as according to him, the proposed area is clearly unsafe. He urged the state government and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) to look into the grouses.
The matter has also been highlighted to Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin who conducted a dialogue with the residents last week.
“They had the dialogue with YB Zuraida and she has agreed to facilitate on this matter,” explained Zuraida's Parliamentary secretary Azura Aziz.
Many in the area are still haunted by the Highland Towers tragedy after an apartment block collapsed, killing 48 people. The clearing of land around the area caused massive soil errosion which later resulted the deadly landslide.
Haider Yutim
Thu Nov 08 2012
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.