The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has issued a two-week stop-work order for a 26-storey condominium development in Damansara Perdana following urgent safety concerns regarding the stability of the adjacent hillslope. The directive comes after residents of the neighboring Empire Residence reported mudflows and uncontrolled water runoff during periods of heavy rainfall, sparking fears of potential landslides.
The Damansara Perdana condo project stop-work order was enacted after a site inspection involving Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo, engineering officials from MBPJ, and other key stakeholders. The inspection sought to address resident claims that the construction site is compromising the integrity of the slope, which some reports suggest contains high-risk terrain unsuitable for high-rise structures.
While MBPJ has verified that the developer obtained the necessary regulatory approvals for the project, the council is now requiring a comprehensive review of the site’s geotechnical stability. The developer and its consultants have been given a 14-day window to submit detailed reports and propose specific slope stabilization measures before any construction activities can resume.
The Technical Debate: Class 3 vs. Class 4 Slopes
Central to the dispute is the classification of the terrain. Under the Public Works Department (JKR) slope development guidelines, slopes are categorized by their gradient and risk level. During the site visit, Gobind Singh Deo highlighted that portions of the slope in question are believed to be Class 3 and Class 4.
Class 3 slopes, which feature gradients between 15° and 25°, are considered moderately steep. Development is permitted on these slopes, but only under strict conditions, including the installation of engineered retaining structures and rigorous geotechnical monitoring. Class 4 slopes, however, exceed a 25° gradient and are generally classified as high-risk areas. According to JKR frameworks, these areas are typically reserved for conservation or open green spaces and are generally not approved for permanent building structures.
| Slope Class | Gradient | Development Status | Required Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 3 | 15° to 25° | Permitted (Conditional) | Engineered retaining walls & geotechnical checks |
| Class 4 | Above 25° | Generally Prohibited | Conservation or open green space |
An independent study commissioned by the residents of Empire Residence suggests that more than 60 per cent of the slope falls within these Class 3 and Class 4 categories, calling into question the suitability of a high-density development on the site.
Resident Grievances and Legal Action
The tension between the community and the developer extends beyond immediate safety concerns. Simon Ng, secretary of the Empire Residence Joint Management Body, stated that homeowners were originally led to believe the land behind their properties would be used for low-rise housing.
The project was later revised into a massive development consisting of three blocks, totaling 979 units across 26 storeys. Residents argue that this increase in density not only heightens the risk of soil movement and falling trees but also places unsustainable pressure on local traffic infrastructure.
In response to these changes and the perceived safety risks, the residents have filed for a judicial review against the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the developer. The case is currently scheduled for a hearing at the High Court in Shah Alam on August 14.
Immediate Mitigation and Next Steps
To address the immediate dangers posed by the rainy season, Gobind Singh Deo noted that several mitigation steps are being implemented. These include the clearing of debris from drainage paths, the covering of exposed slope areas to prevent erosion, and the improvement of water flow management to protect the Empire Residence perimeter.
The stop-work order serves as a cooling-off period to ensure that the project adheres to the Public Works Department (JKR) safety standards. Once the developer submits the required stability reports, a stakeholder meeting will be convened to review the expert assessments and determine if the project can proceed safely.
The outcome of the upcoming High Court hearing in August and the results of the geotechnical review will determine the long-term viability of the 26-storey project. For now, the site remains dormant as officials prioritize the prevention of a slope failure.
Disclaimer: This report involves ongoing legal proceedings. All parties are presumed innocent of regulatory negligence until a court of law determines otherwise.
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