Puchong flood: 71 stores, 65 vehicles affected at mall, agencies probing landslide cause

PUCHONG: Seventy-one stores and 65 vehicles were affected during the flood at IOI Mall Puchong in Bandar Puchong Jaya, says Serdang OCPD Asst Comm AA Anbalagan.

“The rising waters were caused by a downpour that began at 5.45pm and lasted until 7.30pm yesterday (Dec 16),” he said at a press conference at the site of the landslide in Pusat Bandar Puchong at 12.05am Sunday (Dec 17).

Meanwhile, he also said that agencies including the Land and Mines Department and the Subang Jaya City Council’s (MBSJ) engineering department are still investigating the condition of the soil at Jalan Wawasan 3/9 in Puchong, where a landslide caused the residents of seven houses to be evacuated and damaged four vehicles.

“The agencies are still investigating the soil’s condition and are in the process of receiving information,” ACP Anbalagan said, adding that the downpour might be the possible cause.

“Air Selangor is also present to shut down the water. It’s possible the pipe has ruptured, and we are clamping it to stop the water source if the soil has been damaged.

“Initial reports suggested that a factor could be the heavy rain, and the continuous downpour might have triggered soil movement,” he said, emphasising that the police were still awaiting reports from the experts.

Subang Jaya mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim, who was present earlier, said the council is currently installing a 150mm sheet pile as an initial measure, with completion expected by Sunday.

Anbalagan advised residents in the vicinity not to visit the landslide site due to the unstable soil conditions.

He added that the police will closely monitor the area to ensure a smooth process for the ongoing investigation.

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