TTDI Heavy Rain Causes Construction Site Retaining Wall Collapse, Ministry of Works Orders Thorough Structural Investigation

(Kuala Lumpur, 19th) Yesterday, heavy rain and flooding at Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur caused a retaining wall to collapse near the Phase 1B construction site along Jalan Abang Haji Openg. The Public Works Department (JKR) has been instructed to conduct a detailed technical investigation.

Minister of Works, Dato’ Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, stated that JKR will assess the structural integrity of the affected area and recommend additional mitigation measures without compromise.

“Any weaknesses in execution, supervision, technical compliance, or site management must be identified and addressed immediately.”

“The Ministry of Works will not compromise on matters involving public safety.”

In a Facebook post, he said that authorities have already taken immediate action at the site, including cleaning the incident area, removing barriers along Jalan Abang Haji Openg, installing concrete safety barriers and geotextile fabric over approximately 200 meters, as well as clearing silt and repairing the site’s Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) system.

He said these measures are essential to stabilize the current situation and reduce further risks.

Yesterday, the existing retaining wall near the Federal Hill Gardens Administrative District Phase 1B project close to Jalan Abang Haji Openg collapsed due to heavy rainfall.

Nanta mentioned that according to preliminary reports, the incident occurred between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm, when heavy rain caused runoff at the project site; initial observations showed excessive water on the slope caused an earth embankment to break, and water flowed into Sedimentation Pond No. 1.

“Meanwhile, the downstream public drainage system was found to be unable to effectively carry away the water, and public utilities in certain areas further obstructed flow, resulting in accumulation and overflow onto public roads, putting pressure on the existing retaining wall and ultimately causing part of the structure and fencing to collapse.”

On the other hand, Nanta called on all parties involved in the related project to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities and comply with all issued technical instructions.

He said the Ministry of Works will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that follow-up actions are carried out transparently, responsibly, and with public safety as the core focus.

“I extend my condolences to the affected residents and assure that the Ministry of Works is committed to implementing repairs, stabilization, and preventive measures as soon as possible to prevent similar incidents from happening again.”