Remaining Highland Towers To Be Demolished For Up To RM7 Million?

One of Malaysia's most haunting landmarks may finally meet its end, over three decades after tragedy struck. The notorious and tragic Highland Towers in Hulu Keang, Selangor. Known for the collapse of Tower Block 1 in the heavy rain, which took 48 lives in 1993.
Once a symbol of upscale living, the now-abandoned complex has long stood as a ghostly reminder of the past, drawing concern from nearby residents and urban explorers alike. Over the years, safety risks and community complaints have reignited calls for its demolition, raising the question: what should become of this scarred site?
A decision on whether the two remaining Highland Towers blocks can be demolished is expected in two months, with the Ampang Magistrate Court scheduled to deliver its verdict on July 25. The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), which filed for a court order last year, has been actively pursuing the clearance of the abandoned structures after years of inaction and public concern.
According to MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari, the council must wait for the court's ruling before proceeding with any demolition work. 'Once the court delivers its verdict, MPAJ has to inform the state government. Only after receiving the state government's input can MPAJ move forward,' he said during the council's monthly full board meeting held at Menara MPAJ, Pandan Indah.
In light of the repeated complaints from nearby residents, the council began the process of demolishing the remaining blocks. MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad had stated that demolition notices would be issued to the property owners and that the process would follow Sections 87, 88, and 89 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) — laws that relate to public nuisances and buildings unfit for habitation.
While the cost of demolition would cost a pretty penny of RM6 million and RM7 million, the abandoned blocks could be transformed into a public recreational park, according to stalled plans from 2018 by then Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Should the court grant approval and the Selangor state government give the green light, MPAJ will finally be able to proceed with the long-delayed demolition. What comes after remains unclear, but residents and urban planners alike hope it will bring closure and new opportunities for the community.
If the court and state government approve, MPAJ can finally proceed with demolishing the long-abandoned Highland Towers blocks — a move many hope will bring closure and spark new possibilities for the site. At the same time, the council is advancing wider urban upgrades with RM7.5 million allocated for local infrastructure and an additional RM25 million from state and federal sources to support roadworks, public amenities, and pedestrian-friendly projects, reflecting a broader push for people-focused development in the area.
What would you do with the Highland Towers?
Source: The Star
Gan contributed to this article.
What's your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Star

4 days ago

• The Star

Ampang Jaya pocket park to benefit six neighbourhoods

The new recreational park in Taman Cahaya features a children's playset and jogging track. A NEW recreational park in Taman Cahaya, Ampang Jaya in Selangor, has received approval from its surrounding community. The park on Jalan Cahaya 12 was constructed by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) with a RM500,000 Housing and Local Government Ministry allocation. A resident of the nearby Bella Vista apartments, KC Tan, said it was a good decision to have a park just next to the property. 'There aren't many open spa­ces where people can gather and relax in this area, so this park is a welcomed addition,' said Tan who has lived in Bella Vista for over a decade. The new park features a children's playset and jogging track. A Taman Cahaya resident, who only wanted to be known as Sabariah, said while she welcomed the park, more seating was needed. 'There is plenty of open space and walking paths, but not enough places to sit, especially for senior citizens like me.' Sabariah, who has been visiting the park daily with her grandchildren since it opened, said benches and shaded seating would make it more comfortable and accessible to all age groups. MPAJ Zone 8 councillor Datuk Yap Wee Seng said residents from at least six neighbourhoods could enjoy the park facilities. They include Taman Cahaya, Taman Dagang, Taman Cahaya Indah, Taman Cempaka, Taman Nir­wana and Kampung Baru Am­­pang. 'There is a lack of public parks in these mature areas. 'Finding spaces where a new green space could be built was difficult,' said Yap. 'This site used to be idle land as it was also near high-tension cables,' he said, recalling that residents had suggested it be turned into a park. He said MPAJ managed to complete construction of the almost 1ha park in six months. 'Hopefully, we will be able to identify more spaces that can be turned into pocket parks,' he added. In a media statement, MPAJ said the construction of the park was part of its ongoing efforts to enhance community infrastructure and improve access to recreational and leisure facilities within its jurisdiction. It also reaffirmed its commitment to providing comfortable, community friendly public spa­ces that promoted a healthy life­­­­style for all. Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman Mohd Kamri Kama­ruddin, who is also Selangor Deputy Speaker, MPAJ deputy president Hasrol­nizam Shaari and Youth, Commu­nity and Landscape Department director Mohamad Yusuf Sulai­man visited the park.

Borneo Post

5 days ago

• Borneo Post

Kpg Rayu Iban to get Community Fire Unit, KRT for safety and unity

Fatimah says the initiative to set up the Community Fire Unit is crucial as the nearest fire station is located far from the village, which poses difficulties to rapid response in the event of a fire. KUCHING (June 18): A Community Fire Unit and neighborhood watch area (KRT) will be established in Kampung Rayu Iban, Lundu as part of efforts to strengthen safety and promote community unity, said Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. She said the initiative to set up the Community Fire Unit is crucial as the nearest fire station is located far from the village, which poses difficulties to rapid response in the event of a fire. 'This matter has been discussed in previous meetings, and today I was informed that the Fire and Rescue Department will work with the village chief to make the Community Fire Unit in Kampung Rayu a reality,' she said during the closing ceremony of the KPWK Gawai Dayak and Raya Outreach programme with strategic partners at the Kampung Rayu Iban longhouse in Lundu today. Fatimah added that the establishment of the unit is critical, as longhouses are at high risk of fire due to their connected structures, where one door links to the next. 'If one unit catches fire, the entire longhouse could be destroyed in the blink of an eye. 'That is why the community must be trained and prepared to act as the first responders while waiting for the fire brigade to arrive,' she said. She also noted that the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) had given a fire prevention briefing to residents as an initial step to raise awareness and enhance community preparedness. In addition, Fatimah said the Department of National Unity and Integration has been requested to look into the formation of a KRT in the village. 'I was informed this morning that efforts to set up the KRT can begin and be further discussed in detail. This is important for implementing unity and safety programmes in an organised manner,' she said. She explained that officially registered KRTs would receive an annual allocation of RM6,000 to carry out various community programmes. 'This not only strengthens unity but also opens up opportunities for structured grassroots social development activities,' she added. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 residents of Kampung Rayu Iban longhouse benefited from the two-day KPWK Gawai Dayak and Raya Outreach programme, which was carried out in collaboration with strategic partners. The programme aimed to bring government services and information directly to rural communities, especially those with limited access or awareness. Among the services offered were applications for aid schemes, free health screenings, entrepreneurship and leadership seminars, and advisory counters from various government agencies. Fatimah said the initiative reflects the Sarawak government's commitment to inclusivity under the leadership of Sarawak Premier, ensuring no one is left behind in the state's development. Also present were Deputy State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam; the ministry's Permanent Secretary Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua; Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan; and Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor.

Focus Malaysia

06-06-2025

• Focus Malaysia

From ironed uniforms to flexible work: Bridging Malaysia's generational gap

I GREW up watching the hardest-working people I've ever known—my parents—build their lives with discipline, thrift, and remarkable resilience. They didn't talk much about sacrifice. They lived it. One of my fondest memories from childhood is the scent of spray starch on my father's army uniform, particularly his No. 3 work dress, a light olive-green ensemble worn for daily duties. Every morning, he'd iron it with military precision: sharp creases and clean lines. The scent of starch filled the air. It was oddly soothing. It signalled structure (pun intended, as my father served in the Royal Signal Regiment), responsibility, and a quiet pride in serving something bigger than oneself. Back then, hard work meant stability. Stability meant progress. That equation, however, doesn't carry the same weight today. When we overlook how the economic and social landscape has shifted, we risk misreading a fundamental change in values. We all grew up in different Malaysias My parents never asked for much. When my father retired from the military after 21 years, in a career he often summed up with quiet conviction as 'Mati hidup balik sekalipun, aku tetap jadi askar', he did so without much fanfare. They simply packed up their belongings, left the army quarters and returned to their hometown where they bought their first home—a modest single-storey terrace house paid for with his equally modest pension. Raising six children, they supplemented their income through long hours and hard labour. At the time, government pensions, community support, and frugality were enough to support a family of eight. But the Malaysia they lived in is no longer the one young people face today. Despite holding degrees and full-time jobs, many young Malaysians (the writer included) continue to struggle with home ownership, job security, and the rising cost of living. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the median household income in 2022 was RM6,338 per month, or roughly RM76,056 per year. Based on the global housing affordability benchmark, where a home should cost no more than three times the annual household income, a reasonably priced home in Malaysia should be around RM228,000. In contrast, data from the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC) shows that the Malaysian House Price Index for the first quarter of 2025 stood at 225.3 points, with the average house price at RM486,070—more than double the affordable range. Behind these figures are personal struggles and difficult choices. These are not just economic pressures, they are deeply human. This isn't entitlement. It's adaptation. Different priorities, same worth The generation that built Malaysia's early economy placed immense value on order, loyalty, and seniority. In their time, these values aligned with a world where playing by the rules led to security. Today, that promise may no longer holds. Even those who follow the 'rules', i.e., get a degree, secure a job, work hard, may still find themselves struggling. As a result, today's generation places greater emphasis on mental health, work-life balance, and meaningful engagement. They speak openly about burnout and push back against outdated norms that equate long hours with dedication. They seek dignity, not just stability. Purpose, not just pay checks. This isn't a moral failing, but a reflection of a changing world. In Islamic economic principles, fairness ('adl), compassion (ihsan), and balance is key to a just society. When times change, justice requires systems to adapt. What some may view as a lack of resilience is often structural strain, not individual weakness. Shifting values don't signal decline: they reflect reality. From blame to building Malaysia is ageing. By 2030, 15% of our population will be over the age of 60. At the same time, younger generations i.e., Gen Z and Gen Alpha will dominate the workforce. Without mutual understanding, our social cohesion and economic vitality are at risk. Different generations have different concerns. In the workplace, older Malaysians value punctuality and tenure. Meanwhile, the younger ones seek autonomy and flexibility. National planning must evolve with the times. Our education, employment, and welfare systems need to reflect current realities, not just inherited assumptions. For instance, Malaysia could introduce a centralised 'portable benefits wallet' for gig workers, where contributions to retirement savings, healthcare, and social protection follow the worker—not the employer. This model, already being piloted in the US and parts of Europe, ensures that contract and gig workers are not left behind in an economy where job security is no longer guaranteed. Similarly, a Housing Start-Up Account for youth under 35, where the government matches a portion of savings—such as RM1 for every RM2 saved annually—could help first-time homebuyers overcome affordability barriers. This approach, inspired by Singapore's CPF model, would encourage long-term financial planning while making home ownership more attainable. These kinds of forward-looking policies recognise that fairness looks different across generations. And, therefore, so does respect. – June 3, 2025 Dr Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri is the Interim Director at the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation for Islamic Economics (i-RISE), ISRA Institute, INCEIF University. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: The Borneo Post