KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 — A mud flood in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) following heavy rain has raised concerns over a hillside development linked to a landscape project within the Bukit Kiara area.

The incident has prompted a stop-work order and an official probe.

The project is linked to plans for an arboretum within the broader Bukit Kiara green area, located directly opposite the Jalan Abang Haji Openg housing area and affecting about 300 homes.

What is the project about?

The site is located within TTDI, on land bordering Bukit Kiara.

The wider Bukit Kiara Federal Park (Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara), also known as Kiara Park, has long been designated for recreational and conservation use, with earlier plans including an arboretum — a curated space for the conservation and study of trees.

Environmental advocate Tan Sri Salleh Mohd Nor, who has been involved in preservation efforts for Bukit Kiara, previously said the area was intended to be developed into a public park with Malaysia’s first arboretum for education and public access.

The idea was first mooted in the 1980s, although it did not materialise. Parts of the area were later developed into what is now the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.

In the current plan, the affected site near the Jalan Abang Haji Openg housing area is expected to house around 1,000 tree species as part of the arboretum project.

Why has the project halted?

Former TTDI Residents Association chairman Abdul Jabar Junid said intense rainfall over the past year and this year contributed to flooding in the area.

He said the situation escalated when a retaining wall collapsed on April 18 following soil movement and water runoff from the site.

“Residents were previously told trees would be cleared in stages, but we noticed hoarding went up and suddenly all the trees were gone,” he said when met in TTDI.

He added that residents had raised concerns earlier, warning that uncontrolled clearing could lead to soil instability.

Although a stop-work order has since been issued, residents remain worried about whether further rainfall could trigger another incident.

“There is no guarantee that if heavy rain comes again, water will not enter houses. Many residents here are senior citizens, and I am very concerned about their well-being,” he said.

Residents’ concerns

Residents are now urging relevant authorities, including the National Landscape Department, Public Works Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, to ensure the project is carried out safely.

A resident who requested anonymity said they were not opposed to the project but stressed that proper procedures must be followed.

“Right now, mitigation work is only being done after the retaining wall collapsed. This is something that should have been considered before tree clearing began,” the resident said.

The resident added that rapid tree clearing may have contributed to soil movement, while runoff from the hillside ended up at a retention pond near the retaining structure.

“There must be a better solution,” they said.

Other residents have also questioned why the site was chosen for the project, following resistance during a previous townhall session over plans involving tree clearing.

The National Landscape Department is an agency under the Housing and Local Government Ministry responsible for federal park development and landscape planning.

The ministry has yet to respond to requests for comment.

What comes next

The Public Works Department has been instructed to carry out a detailed technical investigation into the collapsed retaining wall.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the department will also assess structural integrity in the surrounding area and recommend mitigation measures.

Preliminary findings indicate that heavy rainfall caused water runoff from the hillside, which overwhelmed drainage capacity and contributed to the collapse of an earth bund and retaining structure.

The investigation will also examine drainage limitations in downstream areas, including obstructions linked to utilities, which may have worsened water flow and pressure.

Authorities are expected to propose further mitigation measures following the technical assessment.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — The clatter of plates is softer, queues have disappeared, and rows of tables sit empty as stall owners wait behind counters, food laid out but with few customers in sight.

Usually, stall owners say the medan selera or food courts near the Jalan Duta government complex are bustling during breakfast and lunchtime.

Since the work-from-home directive for civil servants began — introduced to conserve energy amid shifts linked to the Middle East conflict — the change has been immediate for food stall owners.

The directive, which took effect on April 15, is being observed on a staggered basis — typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays — reducing the number of workers physically present at offices.

Siti Kulsum Ambrin, 40, who runs a stall selling Western cuisine, said the drop in business was drastic.

“Even our regulars told me to prepare less food, informing me that they will be working from home on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,” she said when met by Malay Mail.

Siti Kulsum has since decided to restart direct delivery — an alternative sales channel she once relied on during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eateries in Putrajaya Precinct 4 see a quiet lunch time with much lesser crowd. — Picture by Soo Wern Jun

Almost like Covid-19 pandemic

“It feels like the Covid-19 pandemic has hit us again, and I have to find another way to cover daily sales.

“On a good day, I make about RM1,000 — just enough to cover the cost of raw ingredients — but now we’re looking at about a 30 per cent drop in sales.

“I have to do something to make up for this loss,” she said, adding that she also has to think about workers’ wages and utility bills.

Maistura Mansoor, who runs a food business at the Pusat Penjaja Jalan Duta, said she now only prepares two to three pots of her claypot salai beef dish.

“This is a specialty dish, so I usually sell about 10 pots a day, apart from other hot meals like fried rice.

“But after the announcement, I only managed two to three pots. With this dish, I can’t prepare in advance — I can only cook when there are orders.

“I can’t keep ingredients like santan (coconut milk) overnight, so I can’t cook until there is some certainty,” she said.

Her stall operates only from lunchtime onwards, as she does not cater to the breakfast crowd.

“But it has been so quiet since the work-from-home directive took effect — it’s so empty here you could ‘roll around on the floor’,” she said, describing the hawkers’ centre that is usually abuzz with nearby office workers.

The situation is made worse by the fact that stalls do not operate on weekends, effectively leaving many with just two viable business days — Monday and Friday.

A fruit juice stall operator said their intake of fresh fruits has been halved since the announcement.

“For example, mangoes — my boss bought only three baskets, when we usually use up to six in a week.

“Because they are fresh, we can’t afford to overstock,” said the operator, who requested anonymity.

A quiet Pusat Penjaja Jalan Duta or Jalan Duta Hawkers Centre on a Wednesday. — Picture by Soo Wern Jun

Adapting is less straightforward

A nasi campur (mixed rice) stall operator, Masariman Zainur Ali, said they are considering delivery, but acknowledged its limitations.

“We are thinking about delivery, but nasi campur doesn’t travel well.

“Customers usually want to see and choose their dishes.

“This week there is an event at MITEC (Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre). If you come next week, this place will be empty,” she said.

“We don’t know how long this will last, but we hope it won’t be for too long. For most of us, this is our sole source of income,” she added, estimating a drop of about RM400 in daily sales.

At Kudu Abdul Nasi Kandar, a long-time favourite among civil servants in the area, the directive was met with concern.

“When I heard about it, I immediately thought — this is bad news for us.

“As it is, business had already dropped when the Middle East conflict started. When prices of essential items increased, we were already affected.

“Now, with this, our daily sales have dropped by 20 to 30 per cent,” Haja Mohamad Nazrul said when met at the restaurant on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

“If you ask me when do I expect this to end — I wish it’s tomorrow,” he added with a laugh.

Even before the official announcement, he said he had noticed a dip in foot traffic.

Previously, the restaurant offered naan bread and other roti varieties in the evenings, but these have since been paused.

“Now, if you pass this area at 11am, I’ve never seen it this quiet.

“That already told me we would be expecting fewer customers,” he said.

Siti Kulsum Ambrin, prepares less food for a day’s business operation. — Picture by Soo Wern Jun

Rising costs have forced adjustments

“Previously, we charged different prices for beef, chicken and seafood. Now, I’ve set the same price for all three.

“I don’t have the heart to charge more. We are still here because of our regular customers — keeping prices affordable is our way of thanking them,” he said.

A basic plate of nasi kandar with one meat and vegetables remains priced at RM10.50, excluding drinks.

While delivery orders do come in, Mohamad Nazrul said dine-in remains the preferred option.

“The experience is different — even the taste can change.

“And prices are higher on delivery platforms, so it’s not something we can rely on to make up for lost dine-in sales.

“It may also discourage customers because of delivery fees.

“I still prefer customers to come and enjoy their food here,” he said.

Similarly, in Putrajaya, where restaurant traffic depends heavily on civil servants, restaurant owner Ali Hidaya said the lunch crowd has dropped by about 15 per cent.

“We are open for dinner and still get customers, but for lunch, the drop was immediate after the announcement,” he said.

A quiet Pusat Penjaja Jalan Duta or Jalan Duta Hawkers Centre on a Wednesday. — Picture by Soo Wern Jun

SEREMBAN, April 27 — Negeri Sembilan DAP will not support any “backdoor government” in the state, DAP national secretary-general Anthony Loke said today.

He said attempts to install another administration outside the current one would disregard the people’s mandate from the last state election.

“Pakatan Harapan (PH) was given a clear mandate to govern the state, and any effort to form an alternative government without going through proper legislative channels would not respect the mande given by voters.

“At the same time, any question over the Menteri Besar’s position must be tested in the State Legislative Assembly,” Loke told a press conference at the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar’s official residence here.

He said if Umno had wanted to challenge the Menteri Besar’s position, this could have been done through a motion of no confidence or by rejecting the state budget.

He noted that the sitting scheduled for today had been postponed, despite assemblymen having prepared to attend.

“I had cleared my schedule to participate in the debate, but I was informed the sitting was postponed, and I wasn’t aware why, until the Menteri Besar later said there had been a request from Umno leaders to adjourn it,” he said.

Not interfering in royal dispute, process must be followed

On the royal developments in Negeri Sembilan, Loke said DAP would not interfere in the ongoing dispute involving the state’s constitutional monarchy system, which includes the Yang di-Pertuan Besar and the Undangs.

“We uphold and defend the principle of respecting and supporting the monarchy and the Constitution. We respect the institution, the process, and adat law,” he said.

However, he stressed that the Negeri Sembilan Constitution — particularly Article 10 — clearly states that any action affecting the legitimacy of the ruler must go through a “full and complete inquiry.”

Citing the provision, Loke said only after a full and complete inquiry can the Undangs determine whether the ruler has developed serious incapacities or committed acts that undermine the dignity of the office, and decide whether to suspend his duties or require abdication.

“The key word is process — after full and complete inquiry. Our view is that this process has not been completed,” he said.

Stressing that DAP does not dispute the authority of the four Undangs — including their power to remove the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir — Loke said that such powers must be exercised strictly in accordance with constitutional procedures.

‘Tuanku Muhriz remains legitimate ruler’

From the standpoint of elected representatives, Loke said the current ruler remains validly recognised.

“All assemblymen, including those from the opposition, were present when Tuanku Muhriz officiated the State Legislative Assembly last Thursday.

“This reflects that his position remains valid — not just in the eyes of the state government, but the Assembly as a whole,” he said.

He added that the dignity and position of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan must be defended until the process is completed.

“That is our (DAP) stand on question related to the Istana.

“We cannot allow any party to associate, humiliate or undermine the position of the ruler.

“His position must be upheld until all constitutional processes are fully completed,” he said.

Amanah questions Umno’s ‘sincerity’ after support withdrawal

Negeri Sembilan Amanah chairman Datuk MK Ibrahim Abd Rahman said the party viewed Umno’s latest move as inconsistent with the spirit of cooperation previously agreed within the unity state government.

He said Amanah had, during the last state election, given up the Lenggeng seat as a sign of sincerity to Barisan Nasional and Umno.

“But what Umno has done today does not reflect that same sincerity in governing the state together as had been agreed before,” he said.

In the 2023 state election, Amanah gave up the Lenggeng state seat.

Umno had previously requested the seat, citing that it reflected Umno’s pride.

On April 20, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the action by Datuk Mubarak Dohak in signing and reading a declaration to remove His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan at the Balai Undang Luak Sungai Ujong on April 19 was not recognised and could not be accepted.

He said the declaration had no legal or customary standing because Mubarak no longer holds any authority or position as Undang Luak Sungai Ujong, and the act was also inconsistent with Articles 10 to 12 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.

Aminuddin had explained that Mubarak’s removal as Datuk Klana Petra of Luak Sungai Ujong took effect on May 13, 2025, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Telaga Undang, Waris Klana Hulu, Sungai Ujong.

He also said a special sitting of the Negeri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang on April 17 had agreed to advise and accept the consensus of the Telaga Undang, Waris Klana Hulu, Luak Sungai Ujong, which confirmed Mubarak’s dismissal as the 10th Datuk Klana Petra of Luak Sungai Ujong.

SEREMBAN, April 27 — The Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun today said any challenge to his leadership should be tested through a motion of no confidence in the State Legislative Assembly.

He said the Barisan Nasional bloc should have let the sitting go on as usual (today). 

“If they had planned this from the start, they should have allowed the assembly to proceed.

“It was not my proposal to adjourn the sitting — that was suggested by them. They should have tabled a motion of no confidence against me, in the Dewan today,” Aminuddin told a press conference at the Menteri Besar’s official residence here today.

He added that those involved had come to request for an immediate postponement on same night before.

As for Umno’s reasons for withdrawing support, he said he was unaware of the basis behind the move.

“For me, at that time, the presence of 35 assemblymen showed support for Tuanku (Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir), support for the Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly), and support for the sitting to continue,” he said.

When asked if he would initiate a confidence vote, Aminuddin reiterated that it must take place formally in the assembly.

“A motion of confidence — that has to wait until the Dewan sits. There is no issue; we will wait for the sitting and accept whatever decision is made.”

He added that the Pakatan Harapan state government is still able to govern the state until the end of its term, expressing confidence that the administration could carry on despite the current situation.

“There is no issue — we governed well. I am confident we can continue to administer properly within the remaining term,” he said. 

He added that any action should have been discussed collectively, and declined to speculate on future steps.

When asked when would be the next likely date that the state assembly will resume, Aminuddin said he was not able to give an estimation. 

Despite the uncertainty, he maintained that a minority government can still function.

“I would advise the public to remain calm,” he said.

A minority government can still carry out its duties — even if that happens, I am still the Menteri Besar,” he added. 

Negeri Sembilan Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said earlier today that all 14 Umno assemblymen in the state had lost confidence in Aminuddin Harun and withdrawn their support for the state government under his leadership.

Jalaluddin said the bloc had reached a unanimous decision, signalling a significant shift in support within the state assembly.

SEREMBAN, April 27 — Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun will continue in office after the Royal Highness Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has advised him to carry on administering the state.

He said this is despite 14 Umno assemblymen withdrawing their support for the current administration. 

“I have formally presented the latest position on the state government’s backing to his Royal Highness, outlining the shift in support among 14 Umno assemblymen.

“Following due consideration, his Royal Highness has advised that I continue discharging my duties as usual pending clearer developments on the matter.

“The move is in line with legal provisions and the State Constitution, with the state administration expected to proceed as normal until there is definitive clarity on the government’s majority,” Aminuddin told reporters at his official residence here.

His clarification comes after 14 Umno assemblymen withdrew their support for the state government and his leadership as Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar.

When asked if this meant that Pakatan Harapan had gone through a “divorce” with Barisan Nasional, Aminuddin said it was not his decision.

“It was not me who divorced them (Barisan Nasional), but they are the ones who divorced me,” he quipped.

Earlier today, Negeri Sembilan Umno chairman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said all 14 Umno assemblymen in Negeri Sembilan had lost confidence in Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and withdrawn their support for the state government under his leadership.

Jalaluddin said the bloc had reached a unanimous decision, signalling a significant shift in support within the state assembly.

On April 20, Aminuddin said the action by Datuk Mubarak Dohak in signing and reading a declaration to remove His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, at the Balai Undang Luak Sungai Ujong on April 19 was not recognised and could not be accepted.

He said the declaration had no legal or customary standing because Mubarak no longer held any authority or position as Undang Luak Sungai Ujong, and the act was also inconsistent with Articles 10 to 12 of the Negeri Sembilan Constitution 1959.

Aminuddin further explained that Mubarak’s removal as Datuk Klana Petra of Luak Sungai Ujong took effect on May 13, 2025, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Telaga Undang, Waris Klana Hulu, Sungai Ujong.

He also said a special sitting of the Negeri Sembilan Dewan Keadilan dan Undang on April 17 had agreed to advise and accept the consensus of the Telaga Undang, Waris Klana Hulu, Luak Sungai Ujong, which confirmed Mubarak’s dismissal as the 10th Datuk Klana Petra of Luak Sungai Ujong.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is rolling three targeted roadwork projects to ease congestion across the capital. 

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri TPr Fadlun Mak Ujud said the initiative, known as Projek Trafik Lancar (Smooth Traffic Project), marks a shift in how the city manages development funds, ensuring that revenue collected from new projects is reinvested directly into surrounding communities, with the project targeting three Parliament constituencies — Segambut, Seputeh and Wangsa Maju.

“This project will utilise ‘building charges’ or development charges that were collected from ongoing development projects in these areas to serve this purpose — upgrading of the surroundings of development projects. 

“Every new development must contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of residents, particularly in improving road networks, drainage systems, public amenities and traffic dispersal,” Fadlun told a press conference here today. 

The approach under Projek Trafik Lancar focuses on resolving long-standing traffic congestions identified through traffic flow analysis and vehicle growth projections. 

In Segambut, DBKL plans to construct a new 562-metre road complete with tunnel and bridge structures linking Jalan Kiara 7 directly to the SPRINT Highway’s Penchala Link. 

“This project will take off approximately two months from now and will take about two years to complete as it is the most major among the three road upgrading projects,” Fadlun said. 

The area around Mont Kiara and Jalan Desa Kiara currently operates at a critical congestion level, and simulations show the project could improve traffic flow significantly while cutting travel time.  

Currently, these roads serve 60 condominiums in the Mont Kiara area. 

Meanwhile, in Seputeh, a key exit from the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) to the KL-Seremban Highway will be widened from two lanes to three over a 600-metre stretch. 

“The upgrade is expected to ease peak-hour congestion affecting motorists from Jalan Kuchai Maju, Jalan Desa and Salak, improving connectivity to the city centre,” Fadlun said. 

In Wangsa Maju, DBKL is finalising plans to upgrade the intersection at Jalan 7/24 and MRR2 in Wangsa Melawati, an area flagged for both congestion and accident risks. 

Fadlun added that DBKL will closely monitor all three projects to ensure timely completion and maintain construction quality, stressing that the broader goal is to align infrastructure growth with the pace of urban development.

“These projects reflect our commitment to returning the value of development to the people through solutions that address real urban challenges,” he said adding that the road upgrading projects for Seputeh and Wangsa Maju can be executed immediately as soon minor details are finalised. 

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said these were projects initiated and demanded by constituents back in 2018, however were not successfully executed. 

“These were demands from the ground since 2018, and it will finally take off,” Yeoh who was also present said. 

This if the first phase of the road upgrading project, with works scheduled to begin between June and the fourth quarter of 2026. 

Several traffic diversions will be expected throughout this period as upgrading works will also be done on seven protocol roads.

“We will announce the diversions ahead of time to ease commuters in the road,” Fadlun said.