It’s Been 25 Years Since Highland Towers Collapsed But It Won’t Be Redeveloped Just Yet

After more than two decades, this infamously untouched area in Ulu Klang could be finally repurposed!

Earlier in June this year, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government had plans to repurpose the Highland Towers area after studying the feasibility of demolishing the abandoned structures. Its minister, Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin told reporters,

“The remaining two towers are used as drug dens and criminal hideouts, worrying others around it. To this end, I will form a special taskforce to review the feasibility of Highland Towers’ land.”

Source: berita

Now, demolition plans have been delayed for the ministry to further study the remaining structures, which could take another three to four months. According to the Malay Mail, the ministry initially proposed that the area should be converted into a recreational park, though those plans are yet to be finalised as a safety study needs to be carried out first.

According to The Star, former residents of the neighbouring towers have also agreed that converting the area into a park would be a great way to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives during this tragic incident.

Many of us were probably too young to remember the collapse of the Highland Towers apartment complex, which happened nearly 25 years ago.

Source: the star

Source: novista

On the afternoon of 11th December 1993, the unthinkable happened when the complex’s southern-most building, Block 1, collapsed after a major landslide hit the apartment complex, which destabilised the building. The landslide and the building’s subsequent collapse occurred after 10 days of continuous rainfall.

The building’s collapse was so unprecedented by local rescue authorities, that rescue teams from Singapore, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States had to be flown in to assist with getting the dozens of residents out from underneath the massive amounts of rubble.

Source: fire and rescue academy malaysia | facebook

Source: the star

After a week of searching and recovering bodies, it was reported that 48 people had died from the tragedy. Only three people were pulled out from the rubble alive, but one of the survivors later died in the hospital.

Two years later in 1995, plans were made to repair the two remaining apartment blocks, but checks revealed that the buildings were unstable and had to be demolished.

Source: wikipedia

Source: the paranormal guide

Source: exploring with josh | youtube

However, the abandoned buildings still stand as of today, and are often a site for vandalism and other unscrupulous activities. Most Malaysians also believe the buildings are haunted, due to the eerie appearance of the area.

What do you think of the Highland Towers site possibly being repurposed? Let us know in the comments below!

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