Leaks found in 7 underground pipes at landslide location

Investigations have found that at least seven underground pipes at the site of the landslide on the grounds of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (Maca) were leaking. 

Public Works Department (JKR) deputy director-general of the infrastructure sector Zulkipli Nasri said this had caused a large quantity of water to flow from the roughly 40-year-old pipes, resulting in a landslide.

“We observed a lot of water flowing out at the site. So, I think that could be the cause. On the details part, further investigations will be done. 

“The early indicator from Maca is that their water bill had gone up,” he told reporters after a visit by Public Services Department director-general Zulkapli Mohamed at the location of the landslide today. 

Also present were works ministry secretary-general Hasnol Zam Zam and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deputy commissioner Idris Zaharudin.

Yesterday, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the JKR found leakages in the water piping system at the location of the landslide.

He said pipe leakages led to the soil being fully saturated, further increasing the lateral force on the contiguous micropile retaining wall. 

Meanwhile, Zulkapli said whether the Maca building was safe for occupancy could only be determined in the next three weeks after the JKR conducts a detailed assessment. 

“For now, we are not allowing any Maca staff to work on site until the authorities give the all-clear to do so,” he said.