Safety concerns near Empire Residence prompt halt to 26-storey condo project in Damansara Perdana

“PETALING JAYA, May 16 — Concerns over a hillslope condominium project behind Empire Residence in Damansara Perdana have prompted the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to issue a stop-work order for the next two weeks. Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo said the directive was issued following complaints from residents over mud and water flow during heavy rain, which they believe is originating from the construction site, The Star reported today. “There are questions as to whether the slope is safe, as part of it is said to be classified as Class 3 and Class 4,” Gobind was quoted as saying after a site inspection with MBPJ engineering officials and other stakeholders. He said Class 3 slopes may be developed under strict conditions while Class 4 slopes are generally not allowed for permanent structures. Class 3 slopes are moderately steep areas with gradients of about 15° to 25°, where development may be allowed, but only with strict safety measures such as engineered retaining structures and detailed geotechnical checks as listed in the Public Works Department (JKR) slope development guidelines. Class 4 slopes are steeper than 25° and are generally not approved for building as they are considered high-risk areas and are usually reserved for conservation or open green space under the same JKR classification framework. Gobind confirmed that MBPJ had verified the developer obtained the necessary approvals for the project. MBPJ issued the stop-work order following a meeting involving Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Pua Pei Ling, he added. The developer and its consultants have been given two weeks to submit detailed reports, including slope stabilisation measures. Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo (right) looks at hillslope stability plans during a site inspection of an under-construction 26-storey condo at Damansara Perdana near Empire Residence with MBPJ engineering officials on May 15, 2026. — Picture from Facebook/Gobind Singh Deo Gobind said immediate mitigation steps include clearing debris, covering exposed slope areas and improving drainage to control water flow. He added that construction has stopped in compliance with the order, and a stakeholder meeting will be convened once expert assessments are reviewed. Empire Residence Joint Management Body secretary Simon Ng said residents are concerned about potential soil movement and falling trees from the slope behind their homes. “When we bought our properties, we were told the development behind Empire Residence would be for low-rise houses,” Ng was quoted as saying. He said residents were later informed the site had been revised to a three-block, 26-storey condominium project with 979 units. Ng said residents have filed for judicial review against MBPJ and the developer, with the case set for hearing at the High Court in Shah Alam on August 14. He added that an independent study commissioned by residents found more than 60 per cent of the slope falls under Class 3 and Class 4 categories. Neighbouring residents are also worried about traffic pressure and safety risks linked to the project, he said.

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