Court ruling clears way for Highland Towers demolition before year end, says MPAJ

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — The remaining blocks of the Highland Towers condominium in Hulu Kelang are expected to be demolished before the end of the year, following a Magistrates’ Court decision allowing the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) to proceed with the long-delayed plan.

MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the court approved the council’s application last week, paving the way for the demolition of the abandoned structures that have stood vacant for more than three decades.

“We will organise a coordination meeting involving the unit owners, represented by the developer and the insolvency department.

“We expect this matter will not take long because everyone is clear that this is the objective that has been set. Within this year, the demolition process will take place,” he told Harian Metro today.

Hasrolnizam said MPAJ was now coordinating the next steps, particularly with the parties that would manage and carry out the demolition works.

The decision marks the latest development in a case that has remained unresolved since the Highland Towers tragedy in 1993.

One of the condominium’s three blocks collapsed on December 11 that year after a landslide triggered by prolonged heavy rain, killing 48 people.

The two remaining blocks were evacuated following the collapse and have remained abandoned ever since, while efforts to demolish the structures were delayed by legal and administrative issues.

Hasrolnizam said the latest court ruling had provided the legal basis for the demolition to proceed.

If completed as planned, the demolition would end more than three decades of uncertainty over the future of the remaining Highland Towers structures.