APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 – The People of Malaysia

Source: Tourism Malaysia, About Us-Fast Facts, retrieved 14 November 2008,

<http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/about/facts.asp>

Malays:
The Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 50% of the population. In
Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions,
speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays. Their conversion to Islam from
Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by the decision of
the royal court of Malacca.

Chinese:
The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form about 25% of the population.
Mostly descendents of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known
for their diligence and keen business sense. The three sub-groups who speak a different
dialect of the Chinese language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on the northern
island of Penang; the Cantonese who live predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur;
and the Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the southern state of Johor.

Indians:
The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the
population. Most are descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who came to
the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the
Indian caste system, they came to Malaysia to build a better life.

Indigenous Ethnic Groups:

Peninsular Malaysia

Orang Asli
Orang Asli is a general term used for any indigenous groups that are found in Peninsular
Malaysia. They are divided into three main tribal groups: Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay.
The Negrito usually live in the north, the Senoi in the middle and the Proto-Malay in the
south. Each group or sub-group has its own language and culture. Some are fishermen,
some farmers and some are semi-nomadic.

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Sabah

The largest indigenous ethnic groups of Sabah's population are the Kadazan Dusun, the
Bajau and the Murut.

Kadazan Dusun
The largest ethnic group of Sabah, the Kadazan Dusuns form about 30% of the state's
population. Actually consisting of two tribes; the Kadazan and the Dusun, they were grouped
together as they both share the same language and culture. However, the Kadazan are
mainly inhabitants of flat valley deltas, which are conducive to paddy field farming, while the
Dusun traditionally lived in the hilly and mountainous regions of interior Sabah.

Bajau
The second largest ethnic group in Sabah, the Bajaus make up about 15% of the state's
population. Historically a nomadic sea-faring people that worshipped the Omboh Dilaut or
God of the Sea, they are sometimes referred to as the Sea Gypsies. Those who chose to
leave their sea-faring ways became farmers and cattle-breeders. These land Bajaus are
nicknamed 'Cowboys of the East' in tribute to their impressive equestrian skills.

Murut
The third largest ethnic group in Sabah the Muruts make up about 3% of the state's
population. Traditionally inhabiting the northern inland regions of Borneo, they were the last
of Sabah's ethnic groups to renounce headhunting. Now, they are mostly shifting cultivators
of hill paddy and tapioca, supplementing their diet with blowpipe hunting and fishing.

Sarawak

Collectively known as the Dayaks, the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu are the major ethnic
groups in the state of Sarawak. Dayak, which means upstream or inland, is used as a
blanket term by the Islamic coastal population for over 200 tribal groups. Typically, they live
in longhouses, traditional community homes that can house 20 to 100 families.

Iban
The largest of Sarawak's ethnic groups, the Ibans form 30% of the state's population.
Sometimes erroneously referred to as the Sea Dayaks because of their skill with boats, they
are actually an upriver tribe from the heart of Kalimantan, Indonesia. In the past, they were a
fearsome warrior race renowned for headhunting and piracy. Traditionally, they worship a

128
triumvirate of gods under the authority of Singalang Burung, the bird-god of war. Although
now mostly Christians, many traditional customs are still practised.

Bidayuh
Peace-loving and easy-going, the gentle Bidayuh of Sarawak are famous for their hospitality
and tuak or rice wine. Making their homes in Sarawak's mountainous regions, they are
mostly farmers and hunters. In their past headhunting days, their prized skulls were stored in
a 'baruk', a roundhouse that rises about 1.5 metres above the ground. Originally animists,
now most of them have converted to Christianity.

Orang Ulu
Also known as upriver tribes of Sarawak. Forming roughly 5.5% of Sarawak's population,
there are over 100,000 different Orang Ulu tribes. Arguably Borneo's most artistic people,
their large longhouses are ornately decorated with murals and superb woodcarvings; their
utensils are embellished with intricate beadwork; and aristocratic ladies cover their bodies
with finely detailed tattoos.

129
APPENDIX 2 – Malaysia’s Architectural Chronology
Source: Fee, CV 1998, The Encyclopedia of Malaysia, Vol. 5: Architecture, Archipelago
Press, Singapore, pp.8-9.

130
131
132
APPENDIX 3 – Plain Language Statement & Consent Form

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
PLAIN LANGUAGE STATEMENT AND CONSENT FORM

TO: Participant – Developer / Architect / Home Owner / Other :

Plain Language Statement

Date:

Full Project Title: Malaysia’s Housing for the Masses – Introducing the Green Factor

Principal Researcher: Dr. David Beynon

Student Researcher: Miss Sumita Jayapalasingam

Associate Researcher(s): -

This Plain Language Statement and Consent Form is 5 pages long. Please make sure you
have all the pages.

1. Your Consent
You are invited to take part in this research project.

This Plain Language Statement contains detailed information about the research project. Its
purpose is to explain to you as openly and clearly as possible all the procedures involved in
this project so that you can make a fully informed decision whether you are going to
participate.

Please read this Plain Language Statement carefully. Feel free to ask questions about any
information in the document. You may also wish to discuss the project with a relative or
friend or your local health worker. Feel free to do this.

Once you understand what the project is about and if you agree to take part in it, you will be
asked to sign the Consent Form. By signing the Consent Form, you indicate that you
understand the information and that you give your consent to participate in the research
project.

You will be given a copy of the Plain Language Statement and Consent Form to keep as a
record.

2. Purpose and Background

The purpose of this project is to summarise the current significance of environmentally
sustainable design in Malaysian mass residential development.

A total of 15-20 people will participate in this project.

133
Previous experience has shown that existing and ongoing research address issues such as
thermal comfort in the terraced house (the dominant form of Malaysian housing) and
adopting features and methods from the traditional vernacular homes into the terraced
house, such as using prefabricated components.

You are invited to participate in this research project because your views on environmentally
sustainable design in relation to Malaysia’s terraced houses, will aid in drawing a conclusion
on the feasibility of introducing the green factor into housing for the masses.
The results of this research may be used to help researcher Sumita Jayapalasingam to
obtain a Master of Architecture degree.

3. Funding
This research is partially funded by Deakin University.

4. Procedures
Participation in this project will involve :

A single meeting which includes a brief interview and the completion of a questionnaire
which should take no longer than 1 hour. The steps involved are as follows:
-Read Plain Language Statement
-Sign Consent Form
-Read Fact Sheet
-Complete questionnaire
-Undertake interview which discusses the questions in the questionnaire

5. Possible Benefits
Possible benefits include feasible solutions for greening the future residential developments
for the masses in Malaysia as well as other tropical regions.

We cannot guarantee or promise that you will receive any benefits from this project.

6. Possible Risks
There are no known risks.

7. Privacy, Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information

Data collected from this project will remain in the possession of the Student Researcher.
Access will be available only to the Principal Researcher. Deakin University requires the data
collected to be stored for at least 6 years. The data, when disposed, will be destroyed.

Any information obtained in connection with this project and that can identify you will remain
confidential. It will only be disclosed with your permission, subject to legal requirements.

In any publication, information will be provided in such a way that you cannot be identified.

8. Results of Project
The results of this project will be included in the Student Researcher’s thesis. This thesis will

134
be made available to participants upon request.

9. Participation is Voluntary
Participation in any research project is voluntary. If you do not wish to take part you are
not obliged to. If you decide to take part and later change your mind, you are free to
withdraw from the project at any stage. Any information obtained from you to date will not be
used and will be destroyed.

Your decision whether to take part or not to take part, or to take part and then withdraw, will
not affect your relationship with Deakin University.

Before you make your decision, a member of the research team will be available to answer
any questions you have about the research project. You can ask for any information you
want. Sign the Consent Form only after you have had a chance to ask your questions and
have received satisfactory answers.

If you decide to withdraw from this project, please notify a member of the research team or
complete and return the Revocation of Consent Form attached. This notice will allow the
research team to inform you if there are any health risks or special requirements linked to
withdrawing.

10. Ethical Guidelines

This project will be carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in
Human Research (2007) produced by the National Health and Medical Research Council of
Australia. This statement has been developed to protect the interests of people who agree to
participate in human research studies.

The ethics aspects of this research project have been approved by the Human Research
Ethics Committee of Deakin University.

11. Complaints
If you have any complaints about any aspect of the project, the way it is being conducted or
any questions about your rights as a research participant, then you may contact:

The Executive Officer, Human Research Ethics Committee, Deakin University, 221 Burwood
Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Telephone: 9251 7123, Facsimile: 9244 6581; research-
ethics@deakin.edu.au.

Please quote project number STEC-01-2008.

12. Reimbursement for your costs

You will not be paid for your participation in this project.

135
13. Further Information, Queries or Any Problems
If you require further information, wish to withdraw your participation or if you have any
problems concerning this project, you can contact the principal researcher or student
researcher.

The researchers responsible for this project are:

Principal Researcher: Student Researcher:

Dr.David Beynon Sumita Jayapalasingam c/o Dr.David

Beynon
Deakin University
Deakin University
School of Architecture and Building
School of Architecture and Building
Faculty of Science & Technology
Faculty of Science & Technology
1 Gheringhap Street
1 Gheringhap Street
Geelong
Geelong
Victoria 3217
Victoria 3217
Australia
Australia
Tel: +61 3 5227 8310
Tel: +61 4 3935 6328
Fax: +61 3 5227 8341
Fax: +61 3 5227 8341
Email : david.beynon@deakin.edu.au
Email : sjayap@deakin.edu.au

136
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
PLAIN LANGUAGE STATEMENT AND CONSENT FORM

TO: Participant – Developer / Architect / Home Owner / Other :

Consent Form

Date:

Full Project Title: Malaysia’s Housing for the Masses – Introducing the Green Factor

I have read, and I understand the attached Plain Language Statement.

I freely agree to participate in this project according to the conditions in the Plain Language
Statement.

I have been given a copy of the Plain Language Statement and Consent Form to keep.

The researcher has agreed not to reveal my identity and personal details, including where
information about this project is published, or presented in any public form.

Participant’s Name (printed) ……………………………………………………………………

Signature ……………………………………………………… Date

Return this form to:

Sumita Jayapalasingam c/o Dr.David Beynon
Deakin University
School of Architecture and Building
Faculty of Science & Technology
1 Gheringhap Street
Geelong
Victoria 3217
Australia
Tel: +61 3 5227 8310
Fax: +61 3 5227 8341

137
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
PLAIN LANGUAGE STATEMENT AND CONSENT FORM

TO: Participant – Developer / Architect / Home Owner / Other :

Revocation of Consent Form

(To be used for participants who wish to withdraw from the project)
Date;

Full Project Title: Malaysia’s Housing for the Masses – Introducing the Green Factor

I hereby wish to WITHDRAW my consent to participate in the above research project and
understand that such withdrawal WILL NOT jeopardise my relationship with Deakin
University.

Participant’s Name (printed) …………………………………………………….

Signature ………………………………………………………………. Date

Please mail or fax this form to:

Sumita Jayapalasingam c/o Dr.David Beynon

Deakin University
School of Architecture and Building
Faculty of Science & Technology
1 Gheringhap Street
Geelong
Victoria 3217
Australia
Tel: +61 3 5227 8310
Fax: +61 3 5227 8341

138
APPENDIX 4 – Letter of Invitation

Project Title: Malaysia’s Housing for the Masses : Introducing the Green
Factor

Principal Researcher : Dr. David Beynon, Associate Head of School ( Research),

School of Architecture + Building, Deakin University

Student Researcher : Sumita Jayapalasingam

I, Sumita Jayapalasingam, a candidate for a Master of Architecture at Deakin

University, invite you to participate in a research project entitled ‘Malaysia’s Housing
for the Masses : Introducing the Green Factor’.

The purpose of this research project is to summarise the current significance of

environmentally sustainable design in Malaysian mass residential development.

The duration of your participation will not exceed 1 hour. Your participation will
involve a brief interview and the completion of a questionnaire.

The possible benefits of this research project include feasible solutions for greening
the future residential developments for the masses in Malaysia as well as other
tropical regions.

Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you for your time.

Kind Regards,

Sumita Jayapalasingam
Student Researcher

139
APPENDIX 5 – Fact Sheet and Questionnaire

PROJECT TITLE : Malaysia’s Housing for the Masses :

Introducing the Green Factor

FACT SHEET:

Defining "Sustainable Building"

Source : http://www.egret.net/tufts/definition.htm + http://www.gbcaus.org

Sustainable building is also referred to as "green" or "environmentally-sound"

building. A green building is designed to minimise the total environmental impact of
its materials, construction, operation and deconstruction while maximising
opportunities for indoor environmental quality and performance.

Green buildings are constructed and operated in ways that enhance their impact on
the environment and on the building occupants. A green building will save money,
reduce waste, increase worker productivity and create healthier environments for
people to live and work. Green building decisions are based on a wide range of
considerations, including:

1. Land Use Context (Site Selection)

siting new developments near public transportation and existing infrastructure, and
away from sensitive habitats and flood plains

2. Land Impacts (Site Planning)

preserving and reusing topsoil; preventing erosion and flooding; protecting water
(quality) and conserving water (quantity), e.g., by minimising impervious surfaces
and by preserving trees on site.

3. Energy and Water Use

capturing solar or other renewable sources of energy; using energy-efficient and
water-saving fixtures, equipment, and design strategies.

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4. Materials / Solid Waste
reducing material use; reusing and recycling construction and demolition debris;
using materials with recycled content and with lower-impact manufacturing methods
and by-products.

5. Occupant Health and Well-Being

ensuring indoor air quality (via proper ventilation and minimization of toxic finishes
and equipment); enhancing daylighting.

Summary of Supply of Residential Units by Type in Malaysia

– Scheduled for Completion
Source : Residential Property Stock Report – Second Quarter [Q2] 2007
published by the National Property Information Centre [NAPIC]

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0
Condominium
Semi-Detached

Detached

Serviced Apartment
Low Cost House
Terraced

Low Cost Flat

Flat
Cluster
Town House

141
Summary of Supply of Residential Units by Type in Malaysia
– Existing Stock
Source : Residential Property Stock Report – Second Quarter [Q2] 2007
published by the National Property Information Centre [Napic]

1,600,000

1,400,000

1,200,000

1,000,000

800,000

600,000

400,000

200,000

Condominium
Semi-Detached

Detached

Low Cost House

Low Cost Flat

Terraced

Flat

Apartment
Cluster
Town House

Serviced

The bar charts above indicate that the terraced house is the dominant form of
Malaysia’s housing for the masses.

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QUESTIONNAIRE:

Participant:

Developer

Architect

Home Owner

Other :

1. How familiar were you on the subject of environmentally sustainable design

prior to reading the attached fact sheet?

Very Somewhat Barely Not at all

2. Should future housing estates aimed at the masses, adopt environmentally

sustainable principles into the design and construction phase?

Yes No

Why ? :

3. Based on the question above (Q2), rank the influence of the following
factors:
Construction Costs, End-user comfort, Aesthetics, Maintenance Costs.

Most influential 1:
2:
3:
Least influential 4:

4. Would you support the incorporation of environmentally sustainable

principles for residential buildings into the current Uniform Building By-Laws?

Yes No

Why ? :

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5. Would you support a local Green Building Council which had a mission to
promote the adoption of environmentally sustainable principles into
mainstream design, construction and operation of buildings?

Yes No

Why ? :

6. Based on the questions above(Q4+Q5), rank the following factors in order of

importance: A Healthy Surrounding Environment, Building Aesthetics,
Health of Building Occupant, Comfort of Building Occupant,
Preservation of the Environment for Future Generations.

Most important 1:
2:
3:
4:
Least important 5:

7. Based on current housing estates, how would you rank the following factors
in order of importance :
Construction Costs, Aesthetics, Thermal Comfort, Efficient space
utilisation.

Most important 1:
2:
3:
Least important 4:

144
8. How important do you think it is for us to reduce our impact on the
environment and live more sustainably?

Not important Very important

1 2 3 4 5

9. How viable is it to adopt environmentally sustainable principles into the

design and construction phase of new homes, where:
(a) the materials, fixtures and fittings have positive environmental outcomes

Not viable Very viable

1 2 3 4 5

(b) the ongoing maintenance and operating costs are minimised

Not viable Very viable

1 2 3 4 5

(c) the energy costs are reduced

Not viable Very viable

1 2 3 4 5

145
10. How significant is a developers role in shaping the market demands for the
future?

Not significant Very

significant

1 2 3 4 5

11. What are the key factors that would encourage the adoption of
environmentally sustainable principles into the design and construction
phase of homes?

An increased level of awareness among clients on the subject

An increased level of awareness among industry professionals on the

subject

Easily accessible/affordable training/education in sustainable

design/construction

Support from government bodies [ linked to Q11(a) ]

Other:

11. (a) What form of support should the government provide?

146
APPENDIX 6 – Guidelines for Extensions to Terraced Houses in

Kuala Lumpur

Source : DBKL Garis Panduan, retrieved 13 October 2008,

<http://www.dbkl.gov.my/others/index_urbw.php>

NOTE : This document is in Malay.

147
APPENDIX 7 – 20 Trees Marketing Excerpts

Source : SDB Properties, retrieved 10 August 2008,

<http://www.sdb.com.my/properties_20trees/20trees_overview.htm>

Developer’s excerpt :
20trees was designed and developed to integrate and harmonise the human experience
within a natural landscape. Working in synergy with nature, the environment of 20trees
follows the natural contours of the land in the form of cascading terraces. This organic
approach has the added benefit of ensuring that the limited edition residences and low-rise
apartment blocks embedded into the slopes, all have a breathtaking view of the magnificent
Melawati quartz ridge in the near distance.

20trees was conceived to inspire a sense of inner peace that resonates with tranquillity of
the natural surroundings. The realisation of this haven takes the form of 20 unique
environments. Two of these are “macro” environments. The first “macro” environment is
environment 19, which is the Melawati area, where 20trees is located. This quiet corner of
Kuala Lumpur is exceptional not just for its peaceful, unspoilt ambience without large scale
commercial developments or high-rises, but also the magnificent quartz and granite ridges
that surround it.

The other macro environment, environment 20, is the enclave itself, which encompasses 23
acres of gently undulating terrain that has been developed as lightly and carefully as
possible in order to preserve its authentic essence.

Architect’s excerpt :
At 20trees the processes of the architectural design involved taking the necessary creative
time to develop an understanding and appreciation for the environment where the
architecture was intended to be sited. The natural topography was a serious consideration
regarding an appropriate architectural form to fit into the land. A form that is sympathetic with
the environment allowing it to follow the land as a series of cascading terraces
acknowledging the original slope of the terrain and maximising the panoramic views to the
surrounding hills.

A unique interpretation of the traditional courtyard house is developed with the use of a void
open space within the layout of the home to facilitate cross ventilation and provide as much
natural daylight into the living environment as possible. The use of low pitched concrete
roofs are in contrast and are a muted response to the predominant and exuberant profiles of
the clay tile pitched roofs that are too visually demanding and typically overused.

174
Landscape Architect’s excerpt :
With any development the intervention on the land is always more than we want it to be. Our
response is to make a decided and responsible effort to “put back” into the environment that
which was compromised in allowing us to make this land livable and enjoyable. The ‘putting
back’ is in the form of 20 environments, 18 that are re-introduced and sustained on the
property, the nineteenth environment speaks of its unforgettable location in Melawati that
celebrates the panoramic offsite views to the mountains and the 20th environment is the
collective product of all the environments together to create a memorable sense of place.

“Putting back” also means respecting Nature and providing experiences that are natural and
close to our environmental hearts. These are microenvironments which speak to us on the
instinctive level of wanting to be in contact with Nature. Whether simply enjoying a breeze
blowing through a grove of trees, the sound of trickling water, views to the panoramic
mountains, gazing at the stars at night, or listening to birds, cicadas and crickets, these are
all ways in which Nature has been “put back” and returned to us allowing us once more to be
close to that which nurtures our soul and stays with us as a facilitator of good health and
proper living.

175
APPENDIX 8 – Housing Price Categories in Malaysia

Source : Shuid, S, Low Medium Cost Housing in Malaysia : Issues and Challenges, retrieved
1 November 2008, <http://www.iut.nu/Malaysia_low%20cost%20housing.pdf>

Page 5 of 13:

176
APPENDIX 9 – Newspaper Articles : Landslide

Source :
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/central/21070020&sec=central
April 26 2008
Builder: We are only rectifying flaws in Damansara 21 project

DAMANSARA 21project developer SDB Properties Sdn Bhd in a statement issued

yesterday, explained that the work carried out at the site in Medan Damansara were to
rectify the project’s shortcomings.

The company reassured residents that it did not ignore City Hall’s stop-work order and that
the work under way were in accordance with City Hall’s order.

The work is to build a retaining wall between Jalan Setia Bestari and the construction site.

The developer is also required to erect hoardings at the perimeter of the construction area,
plant grass on the hillslope, replace torn plastic covers as well as build drains and silt traps.

It has agreed to comply with the directives by May 20 and to report to City Hall on the
project’s progress weekly.

“SDB Properties Sdn Bhd will continue to maintain the highest safety and environmental
standards,” the statement read.

“We will also comply with all directives recently announced by City Hall within the agreed
deadline. The company is committed to safeguarding the interests of stakeholders and the
community,” it said.

The project, which began in early December, comprises 21 bungalows, costing between
RM10mil and RM15mil each. Residents had objected to the project.

City Hall had issued a stop-work order and slapped a RM100,000 fine on the developer as it
was found that the project did not comply with safety standards and there was no proper
drainage system.

Source : http://properties.emedia.com.my/listnews.php?propNewsID=836&CatID=N00

May 26 2008

Damansara project hangs in balance

SELANGOR Dredging Bhd (SDB)'s plan to build 21 luxury bungalows in Damansara Heights
hangs in the balance as nearby residents go all out to stop the hillside development, citing
safety concerns.
The project, known as Damansara 21 and with a gross development value of up to RM250
million, is not the group's biggest but it has been grabbing newspaper headlines of late
because of protests by concerned residents.
SDB's managing director Teh Lip Kim, however, says the protests are unfair as the group
has taken pains to ensure that it has gone through all the necessary legal and regulatory
processes.
It has also committed to spending RM34 million on infrastructure work to strengthen the
slope and increase safety.
Despite going by all the rules, residents are still protesting, she said.
"As a developer and an investor in the country, when all this is called into question, it really
puts the investment sentiment of the country at risk," she said in an interview.

177
SDB's subsidiary, SDB Properties Sdn Bhd, will this week apply to City Hall to lift a stop-work
order that it was issued last month for failing to comply with certain safety standards, she
said.
It expects to have complied with all the safety standards by then, she said. The group has
twice held dialogues with residents and is willing to address any other concerns on safety
going forward as well, she said.
Asked if she expects to be given the go-ahead from City Hall given the rising pressure from
residents, she said: "The authorities are basically doing what's right, but somehow with all
this pressure, they are feeling it. But, I think one has to review whether some of these
pressures are reasonable or not. At the end day, the investment climate has to be there for
the country to move forward," she said.
She noted that SDB's is not an isolated case as there have also been other developers
facing similar issues in the country.
SDB had bought the 5.78 acres of land in Jalan Setia Bistari for RM50 million in 2005.
Michael Yam, deputy president of Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association
Malaysia said hill slope developments are common especially in countries such as Hong
Kong.

Source :
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/27/nation/20080827211607&sec=nation
August 27 2008
Klang Valley flash floods, controversial projects hit

Extractt:

Meanwhile, a retaining wall separating Medan Damansara and a hill on which the
controversial Damansara 21 development was carried out collapsed at 5.30pm.
One house at Lorong Setiapuspa 1 was badly affected. Mud flowing down from the hill
covered the entire area. The occupants of the two houses nearest the hill were advised to
vacate the premises.

Source : http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1826677
December 7 2008
Malaysia bans hillside developments after landslide: report

Malaysia's prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has banned hillside developments after a
weekend landslide in suburban Kuala Lumpur killed four people and forced thousands to
evacuate.

"I am sure this will incur the wrath of individual land owners and developers but enough is
enough," Abdullah said, according to Sunday's Star, ordering current projects to be frozen
while soil tests are carried out.

"Future projects will also not go on to prevent any further worsening of the soil conditions at
the hilly area," he told the daily after a series of landslides in northeastern Kuala Lumpur.

The latest disaster hit early Saturday, burying 14 houses at the upmarket estate of Bukit
Antarabangsa, cutting off access for thousands of residents and disrupting water, electricity
and phone lines.

178
Among the four dead was a 20-year-old who was found by his father buried under the rubble
still clutching a mobile phone, the Star reported. One person is reportedly still missing.

Police ordered 3,000 to 5,000 residents living nearby to evacuate their homes.

The landslide occurred after days of heavy rains in the area, which is prone to slippages. In
2006 four people were killed and 43 homes destroyed in a nearby suburb.

And in 1993 a landslide triggered by heavy rains caused a 12-storey condominium tower, the
Highland Towers, to collapse, killing 48 people.

"Malaysians never want to learn from past experiences. They want good views while
developers only seek to profit ... no one takes safety and soil stability into consideration," the
prime minister said.

"We will be courting more tragedies if we do not care and protect hillsides," he said.

Opposition parliamentarian Lim Kit Siang accused the government of "sheer criminal
negligence" over the incident.

He said in a statement that officials bore responsibility for "closing an eye to dangerous
hillside developments and in totally ignoring the lessons of the Highland Towers tragedy 15
years ago."

Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar on Sunday ordered residents from a condominium
tower located near the landslide site to evacuate immediately, fearing it "may collapse at any
time," the state Bernama news agency reported.

Source :
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/National/2426086/Article/index_html

December 12 2008
Bukit Antarabangsa Tragedy: Government to study Hong Kong law

By : Ajahan Abdul Waheed and Arman Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is ready to study a suggestion that a new law along the
lines of legislation in Hong Kong be introduced to govern hillside development here.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday the proposal by Public
Accounts Committee chairman Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid could be discussed in the cabinet.

"We are open to the proposal. We need to look into it in detail before making a decision.

"What is more important is the safety of the people," Najib said when commenting on the
proposal that would compel house owners to conduct maintenance work and evaluate
slopes every six months to a year.

He was speaking at a press conference after launching a book titled Taib Andak -- In a Class
of His Own, at Menara Maybank near here.

Four people were killed, 14 homes destroyed and thousands evacuated from their houses
following last Saturday's landslide in Bukit Antarabangsa.

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Najib said most tragedies could be avoided if decisions on development were based on
technical studies, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), adding that the
government wanted to prevent a recurrence of the Bukit Antarabangsa tragedy.

An EIA is used to determine the effect of a project on the surrounding area and whether it
could be approved.

"Developers of hillside projects should give more importance to safety aspects rather than
thinking only about profits. Do not put aside safety issues and neglect environment aspects
just because we want to make profits."

The Public Accounts Committee wants housing development of below 50 hectares to be

subject to EIAs.

Azmi said yesterday the housing area affected by the landslide had not been subject to an
EIA as it was less than 50 hectares in size.

Speaking after visiting the site of the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide with 11 members of
parliament, nine of them PAC members, he said many housing estates in the vicinity were
built on sites that were less than 50 hectares because of the hilly nature of the terrain.

"The affected area did not require an EIA as it was only 20 hectares in size. However, for
housing estates built on slopes of more than 25 degrees, we suggest that an EIA be
required, regardless of the size of the area."

Azmi said the Public Works Department had suggested that Malaysia use laws similar to
those in Hong Kong known as the Hillside Order for regulating hill slopes.

He said it would not be cheap to live on hillsides as residents may have to fork out a certain
sum of money at regular intervals to check on slopes.

Azmi added that the state governments should also determine whether local councils had
enough resources to manage such areas.

"Often the responsibility is not with the federal government or the state government, but with
the local councils. Therefore, we have to reevaluate the local councils' capacity or ability to
manage these areas. They have to have proper staff and skills."

He said developers of hillside projects also had to be responsible by not exceeding the
number of houses that a certain area could accommodate.

Source :
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/Frontpage/2427242/Article/index_html

December 13 2008
Call to end Damansara 21 project for good

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents of Medan Damansara want the hillside development on

Damansara 21 to be scrapped and not just put on hold.

Medan Damansara Residents' Association committee member Randhir Singh said although
a freeze order had been put on the project, it did not mean that it would not be lifted.

"Only a freeze order had been issued. This means the order can be lifted in a month or three
months' time.

180
"What we want is for the project to be completely called off. It should not have been
approved in the first place," he said, adding that the committee had studies from experts to
show why the project should not be allowed.

Meanwhile, Gary Yeoh from Bukit Gasing said he was glad that the two hillside projects in
Damansara 21 and Bukit Ceylon were "given relief".
He said it was the right thing to do in the wake of the Bukit Antarabangsa disaster.

Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun said he was happy with the Federal Territories minister's
decision to halt the projects.

"At this juncture, we should revise and ensure that safety precautions are in place for hillside
projects," he added.

Source :
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/Frontpage/2427552/Article/index_html

December 14 2008
Works Minister: Don't blame Mother Nature for landslide, wants answers from
PWD

By : Adrian David

KUALA LUMPUR: Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed is baffled how rainwater was
trapped atop Taman Bukit Mewah which he believes led to the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide
last Saturday.

"I find it odd for rainwater to have been trapped in the granite rock-filled dense rainforest.

"Why wasn't there proper drainage when water will find its own natural gradient to flow?

"I suspect this is caused by humans, so let's not blame Mother Nature," he told Public Works
Department (PWD) engineers.

Zin ordered the PWD, which is spearheading a three-month geotechnical, forensics and
integrity probe of the slope and building structure stability, to come up with answers on the
cause of the landslide and provide recommendations to avert disasters.
"It looks like the landslide was avoidable.

"We can't just blame it on deforestation. It's a lesson well learnt and we have to respect
Mother Nature.

"I hope to obtain a preliminary report on the probable cause of the landslide in a month's
time and will brief the cabinet next Friday," he said after a briefing by senior PWD officers at
Bukit Antarabangsa yesterday.

Among them were PWD director-general Datuk Seri Dr Judin Karim, deputy director-general
III N. Selvanayagam and senior engineer Kamar Kassim of its slope engineering branch.

Kamar gave a briefing on the topographical development in Bukit Antarabangsa since 1969.

Zin said PWD would be assisted by the Mapping Department, Drainage and Irrigation
Department, the Meteorological Services Department, Mineral and Geoscience Department,
Housing and Local Government Ministry, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, Department of
Environment and several foreign experts.

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"We hope to begin clearing the debris from tomorrow and complete the task within a month.

"In the meantime, site and mapping-failure investigation will proceed.

"However, we have to tread cautiously when clearing the base of the landslide so as not to
destabilise the slope and cause another landslide."

He said the landslide had brought down 120,000 cubic metres (about 20,000 lorry loads) of
earth over an area 200m long, 100m wide and 10m deep.

It left four dead, one missing, 15 injured, 14 houses destroyed and nine damaged.

Zin said a manually-operated emergency warning system had helped evacuate 93 residents
from Taman Bukit Mewah, Jalan Wangsa 9 and 11, Impian Selatan Condominium and Jalan
BJ6A of Taman Bukit Jaya to safety, shortly after the 3.40am landslide. Gombak member of
parliament Mohamed Azmin Ali, who was present at the briefing, asked the PWD to speed
up remedial work for the new school term.

He said the 5,000 Bukit Antarabangsa residents used a total of 4,785 vehicles along the
narrow and congested neighbourhood roads. Zin said PWD would tar the damaged main
access road as soon as possible.

"PWD will expedite the construction of a Bailey's bridge to complement the army's tactical
bridge along an alternate access road.

"Mobile traffic lights will also be installed to ease congestion."

Source :
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Letters/20081215215512/Article/index_
html

December 15 2008
Bukit Antarabangsa tragedy: No need to look to Hong Kong
Letter By : JEONG CHUN PHUOC, Bukit Beruang, Malacca

YOUR report, "Government to study Hong Kong law" (NST, Dec 12), stated the government
may study a Hong Kong law for hillside development projects. There is no need for the
government to go that far. We have adequate environmental laws that can be used to deal
with hillside development projects.

Under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA 1987), Section 34A provides for this legal
requirement. Whether it is specifically required has to be looked at in the light of the
schedule under the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact
Assessment order) 1987.

What is needed is to extend that schedule or list so as to include critical hillside construction
activities. Both the minister and the director-general are empowered under the EQA 1987 to
impose this requirement by way of an environmental order and/or environmental regulation.

The corporate sector should be reminded that "sustainable development" includes taking into
serious account all environmental impact factors.

There is a need for what I term "construction social responsibility" practices to be looked into
for incorporation into the construction industry's best practices in Malaysia.

182
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