Expert: Retaining wall needs to be rebuilt

KUALA LUMPUR: The collapsed retaining wall at Bukit Setiawangsa should be restructured and rebuild using a new technology called Active Netting.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) Geological Hazards coordinator Prof Madya Dr Tajul Anuar Jamaluddin recommended yesterday that the 65m-high, 90m-wide and 90-degree retaining wall to be restructured and repaired with the new technology after an observation was carried out at the area.

"Landslips can still happen even without rain," he said.

Dr Tajul Anuar said the observation conducted yesterday found found the earth structure at the area was not strong due to underground water retention.

He said the hillslope at Bukit Setiawangsa have been covered with concrete walls and this causes rain water to be trapped inside.

Dr Tajul Anuar said the use of concrete cement was no longer suitable.

"We advised residents near the affected area to evacuate their houses until works on the slope has been completed.

"Using this new method, the steel net will be tied to the body of the slope with soil nails. Grass should be planted and the stance of the slope should be lever at 45 degrees," he said.

Dr Tajul Anuar said such remedial work would take at least six months to be completed.

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Expert: Retaining wall needs to be rebuilt