ANNOUNCEMENT SUNDAY ON SAFETY OF AREAS NEAR BUKIT ANTARABANGSA LANDSLIDE

SHAH ALAM (Malaysia), Dec 19 (Bernama) -- State of Selangor Chief Minister
Abdul Khalid Ibrahim Friday received an experts' report on the landslide in
Bukit Antarabangsa at the fringe of Kuala Lumpur city, and said he would
announce on Sunday whether the five housing areas near the mishap area were safe
for occupation.

"It could be that some people cannot stay in the area and that a majority
can do so," he told reporters after receiving a copy of the report at his office
at the State Secretariat here.

The report was compiled by the Public Works Institute of Malaysia (Ikram),
the Public Works Department (JKR) and geological experts following the landslide
which killed four people and destroyed 14 bungalows on Dec 6.

Abdul Khalid said he had instructed the Gombak district officer and the
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council president to scrutinise the reports.

"Only after that will I announce whether the housing areas near the
landslide area are safe for occupation," he said. The five housing areas are
Impian Selatan Condominium, Jalan 6A of Taman Bukit Jaya, Taman Bukit Mewah,
Jalan 9 and Jalan 11 of Taman Wangsa Ukay.

It is learnt that about 3,000 residents of five housing estates in the
vicinity of the landslide area are waiting for the announcement, which would
determine whether they can remain there or have to move out.

Abdul Khalid said the final decision on Sunday would be followed up with
assistance from the state government for the affected residents.
-- BERNAMA