By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, July 30 — The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) will seek a High Court order to pursue the long-delayed demolition of the remaining Highland Towers blocks, according to a report by The Star.
MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the move was necessary after MPAJ failed in its bid to obtain approval from the Ampang Magistrates’ Court, which instructed the council to seek leave from the High Court due to the site’s ownership complications.
“The Magistrates’ Court directed the MPAJ to seek an order from the High Court as Highland Properties Sdn Bhd (the registered landowner) has been wound up,” he said during the MPAJ full board meeting yesterday, as quoted by the English daily.
MPAJ had last year initiated steps to demolish the abandoned towers, citing persistent complaints from nearby residents over safety concerns and the site’s deterioration.
Then-president Ani Ahmad confirmed the demolition would be carried out under Sections 87, 88 and 89 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which empower local authorities to act on structures deemed unsafe or uninhabitable.
The demolition was estimated to cost between RM6 million and RM7 million.
The Highland Towers tragedy in December 1993 claimed 48 lives when one of the three condominium blocks collapsed due to a landslide.
The remaining towers were declared unsafe and have stood vacant for decades.
