As for this group, 'homeless' might be a reality

The Malay Mail 6/6/2006

IF the Taman Zooview residents in Hulu Kelang are looking forward to returning to their posh homes anytime soon, they’re in for a major disappointment.

If they are ever allowed to return home, that is.

It may take them up to three months before they are able to return to their homes, due to the council’s ongoing investigations into the area’s safety aspects.

However, if investigations conclude that the area is unsafe for occupation, the families may just find themselves ‘homeless’.

The 16 families, ordered to move out last Saturday following the Kampung Pasir landslide tragedy, are being put up in a hotel at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPAJ) expense.

MPAJ president Datuk Ahmad Safii Saidin yesterday said he did not rule out the possibility that the residents may never be able to return to their homes.

"Everything depends on the results of the investigation. If the area is found to be unsafe, the residents may have no choice but to move out permanently," he said. "If that is the case, we will meet them to discuss what else can be done, including compensation."

Ahmad Safii said although the residents have been given only until the weekend to stay at the hotel, MPAJ are in the midst of looking for other accommodations for them.

"We had an informal meeting with them on Sunday. We are looking at obtaining either houses or apartments in the area for them, preferably near schools as most of these families have school-going children.

"We expect to sort the matter out before the weekend," he said.

Taman Zooview, comprising 16 three-storey terrace houses, is located precariously above the hillslope overlooking Kampung Pasir.

Last Wednesday, a retaining wall built on a hillslope by the developer of neighbouring Taman Ukay Bestari collapsed, resulting in an avalanche of mud and debris on the three longhouses located below.

The landslide claimed four lives and left 160 people homeless.

MM says: We sympathise with houseowners. They should be compensated by MPAJ