Putrajaya parks left rotting

Putrajaya parks left rotting

By GEETHA KRISHNAN
Photos by ROHAIZAT MD DARUS and CHUA KOK HWA

geetha@thestar.com.my

A FEW of the parks in Putrajaya are a far cry from the thriving tourist attractions they were before.

Parts of Taman Botani Putrajaya in Precinct 1 and Putrajaya Wetlands in Precinct 13 are now in a deplorable state.

Silence has descended on these parks, once hubs of activity where crowds thronged on weekends and public holidays.

Acting on public complaints and comments, StarMetro decided to survey the situation.

The state of affairs in Taman Botani Putrajaya certainly warrants attention and sources have implied that a change in management has led to its current state especially with this being Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad officially launched the sprawling botanical park on Feb 4, 2003. The scenario then and now is starkly different.


Out of order: A sign informs visitors that this interactive display no longer works.
Some 90% of the nature-themed exhibits at the Visitor Interpretive Centre (VIC) were not in working order.

The gargantuan mechanical praying mantis that used to scare a few tots was no longer mobile. The interactive mushrooms could not be illuminated through touch like before and the swaying sunflowers were stiff.

Education panels supplying rich sources of information for schoolchildren and college students were bare.

Signs posted on the exhibits said maintenance work was in progress. The gift shop was closed while other areas once accessible to the public were cordoned off.

Though entrance is now free, there remains little to be seen and enjoyed at the VIC.

Staff members were also scarce and the two we encountered had a nonchalant attitude.


Vantage point: Even this observation tower at Putrajaya Wetlands has seen better days.
The one manning the ticketing counter gave vague replies when we enquired about the non-functioning exhibits and seemed preoccupied with his computer. When we asked what we could do at the park, he said bicycles were available for rent.

No information was offered on the tram and buggy service used to discover the many mini gardens like the Vine Garden, Sun Garden and African Collection.

No mention was made of the Islamic Garden Pavilion and Water Activity Centre within the park either.

The Water Activity Centre was devoid of workers and boats or any other form of activity, for that matter, while a guard stationed near the Islamic Garden Pavilion informed us that tickets to the tourist attraction could be purchased from the VIC.

Taman Botani Putrajaya is still ideal for pleasant walks and green discoveries but the experience is not as enriching as before.

It has been a few months now since Putrajaya Corporation took over the park management reins from a private operator but serious commitment is required to restore the park’s glory.

People are also wondering whether the local authority has the necessary expertise and funds for the task.

A similar situation was witnessed at the Putrajaya Wetlands.

Phase 2 is nearing completion but sources say they dread the future awaiting the wetlands, once abundant with flora and fauna.

In its heyday, Putrajaya Wetlands played host to a wide range of activities like nature camps, angling competitions, songbird contests and treasure hunts. The annual calendar of events, like the one drawn up for Taman Botani Putrajaya, used to be full.

It used to have a Nature Interpretation Centre with comprehensive information on the wetlands and how the attraction came into existence. The NIC was closed when work on Phase 2 began.


Empty cabin: The former operations centre for Putrajay Wetlands is no longer in use.
Operations were shifted to a cabin also housing a gift shop with the intention of re-opening the NIC at a later date. The cabin is now empty and the campsite has not been used for months.

Meanwhile, Putrajaya Corporation remains mum on what is in store for Phase 2.

Over at the Lake Recreation Centre in Precinct 12, the scenario is also worrying.

Only a skeleton staff of six has been maintained at the centre where boating and kayaking activities are available.

When we enquired about the poor state of the duffy boats and kayaks, we were told a technical team was scheduled to arrive for repairs and maintenance work.

Putrajaya residents said their children had been using the facilities without any form of monitoring.

Staff shortage means a watchful eye cannot be kept on those heading out to the Putrajaya Lake for boating activities or on anglers who can now fish at the centre for free. The nominal charge imposed previously gave anglers a sense of responsibility.

It goes without saying that anything available for free is usually taken for granted.

Private companies kept in the dark

Private companies kept in the dark

StarMetro spoke to two former private operators who were previously based in Putrajaya.

“Several years ago, we were approached to manage one of the parks based on a non-profit approach. The authorities also wanted a service-oriented operation keen on educating Malaysians on the importance of nature. Local authorities are known to lack resources so the management of parks in Putrajaya was initially outsourced. In addition, as part of our corporate social responsibility, we were asked to absorb certain costs,” said one of the individuals who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The other individual, who managed a leisure operations, said the local authority wanted private operators to charge a nominal sum when maintenance and other costs could not be recouped yet.

“Costs can only be balanced once Putrajaya is sustainable and fully developed in 2012. Till then, certain charges need to be imposed to meet at least some of the utility bills,” he stressed.

They also claimed Putrajaya Corporation acted in a highhanded manner when their contracts ended and did not entertain any correspondence from the operators who were instead told to pack up and leave with scant notice.

According to another source, the company currently managing another park is also being kept in the dark as to whether its contract would be renewed.

Soil tests on Putrajaya slide

PUTRAJAYA: Putrajaya Corporation wants the public to wait for the results of the soil analysis conducted by the Public Works Institute (Ikram) on the landslide near the Precinct 9 apartments last week.

Its president Tan Sri Samsuddin Osman said this amidst speculation that water seeping from the drains near the apartments could have been the cause of the landslide.

“I don't want to comment until Ikram has come up with the report,” he said when asked to comment on a statement by Drainage and Irrigation Department director-general Datuk Keizrul Abdullah that leaking drains were to be blamed.

Asked if the corporation would request Ikram to speed up their tests and the completion of the report, Samsuddin said this was discussed during a meeting.

“But in the end, we want to give Ikram ample time to conduct all the soil analyses they need,” he added.

Part of a slope at the Taman Rimba Desa hill collapsed last Thursday, sending tonnes of earth crashing down on the Precinct 9 apartments car park.

Although there were no injuries as most of the people were in their apartments sleeping, more than 20 cars were buried.

The earth stopped short of entering the ground floor of Block B.

A total of 340 families from three apartment blocks (A, B and C) were immediately evacuated for safety reasons and later moved to the newly completed quarters in Precinct 14.

When contacted, Precinct 9 residents committee chairman Mohd Tahir Mohd said the affected families had settled in their temporary homes.

“Everything is going well. We have no complaints. Our children are fetched promptly to and back from school by Putrajaya Umno Youth members.

“We are also happy that the corporation has allowed our old provision store in the apartments to be relocated here for the time being. This makes it easier for us to buy our groceries,” he said.

Umno Youth members turn bus drivers for kids

PUTRAJAYA: It is back to school for more than 300 children after last Thursday’s landslide in Precinct 9 here – with Umno Youth members as their schoolbus drivers.

Putrajaya division Youth chief Ahmad Zaki Zahid said they had several vans that could be used to ferry the children to school from their new homes in Precinct 14.

“If the need arises, the members have volunteered to use their personal cars. This is to ensure the children do not miss another day in school,” he said yesterday, adding that the distance between the precincts was far.


Welcome aid: Ahmad Zaki handing over a box of household items to Syarifah Salwa Syed Ahmad, who is one of those affected by the landslide, at the Precinct 14 apartments in Putrajaya yesterday. On the right is Datin Seri Anggraini Sentiyaki, who is the wife of Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor. — Bernama
Ahmad Zaki said the transport offered by the Youth division was apart from the buses provided by Putrajaya Corporation.

He added that it was part of the wing’s welfare project, which included supplying essential items such as toothpaste, cooking oil and foodstuff to the 341 affected families.

Ahmad Zaki presented 341 boxes containing the items, worth RM20,000, to the affected government servants at their new homes yesterday.

Precinct 9 residents committee chairman Mohd Tahir Mohd said the affected families had not yet been given the option to shift permanently to the Precinct 14 apartments, as that would depend on the state of their affected homes.

Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd corporate communications general manager Abdul Halem Mat Som said the structure of the reservoir located on a hill near the landslide area was strong and had no crack.

Putrajaya clean-up still going on

PUTRAJAYA: Workers are still clearing earth and removing damaged and buried cars from the landslide-hit parking bay of Parcel 11, Precinct 9, civil servant quarters here.

Putrajaya OCPD Supt Abdul Razak Abdul Majid said 24 cars were removed and only three more were still reportedly trap-ped under the earth following the 4.30am incident last Thursday.


Hard at work: Workers tidying up the surroundings after a buried car was pulled out from the debris in Putrajaya yesterday. — Bernama
“But we hope to clear all the vehicles later today,” he said when met at the site at noon yesterday.

Part of a slope of the Taman Rimba Desa hill collapsed, sending tonnes of earth crashing down on the car park.

There were no injuries as most of the people were in their apartments sleeping.

The moving earth stopped short of entering the ground floor of Block B.

A total of 340 families from the three apartment blocks (A, B and C) were immediately evacuated for safety reasons.

They were later moved to newly-completedapartment quarters in Precinct 14, and will remain there for about two weeks to facilitate landslide investigations on the slope as well as clearing and slope mitigation work.

Affected resident Mahyuddin Yassin, 50, said he returned to his apartment, along with many others, yesterday to move some essential items like clothes, washing machine and gas cooker to the Precinct 14 apartment.

“I was lucky to be in my apartment on that day. I often return home in the wee hours of the morning as I am also a Rela officer,” he said.

Putrajaya Corporation and other agencies provided manpower and transport to those moving heavy items from their apartments.

1,500 residents relocated

By GEETHA KRISHNAN

Photo by ROHAIZAT MD DARUS

THE residents evacuated on Thursday following the early morning landslide in Putrajaya have settled in their temporary homes.

Around 1,500 residents were moved from the Phase 11 Apartments in Precinct 9 to the vacant government quarters in Precinct 14.


A measure: Sheets placed over the hill slope in Precinct 9, Putrajaya, where the landslide recently occurred.
The evacuees who resided in three multi-storey apartment blocks near a hill slope are mainly civil servants.

Yesterday, activities of a different kind were witnessed at the vacated apartment blocks closely guarded by the police.

Various authorities were seen going about their work while a crane from SP Setia was stationed near the hill slope.

Sheets have been placed over the site where tonnes of earth, mud and undergrowth slid down and crushed 25 cars parked behind Block B in the 4.30am incident.

A handful of residents like KTM worker Mohamad Buyong, 49, and his wife Jamilah Awang, 49, were seen collecting their belongings from their apartment units under police escort.

“We were given 15 minutes to collect essential items like documents and clothes. I could barely think,” said Mohamad, a Block A resident.

A majority of the residents were transported to Precinct 14 in public buses provided by local authority Putrajaya Corporation.

The common area at where they are temporarily housed for a fortnight while awaiting the outcome of the report from the Public Works Department and Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd (Public Works Institute of Malaysia) was a hive of activities.

Phase 11 Apartments Residents Association chairman Mohamad Tahir Mohd said 316 families had moved into the vacant quarters equipped with water, electricity and lifts.

He said Putrajaya Corporation also provided buses to ferry civil servants to work and their school-going children.

“The transfers were carried out smoothly and we are grateful to the various authorities for expediting the evacuation. Although no one was injured in the incident, a few of the senior citizens are sick and some are recovering from surgeries,” he added.

Most of the civil servants who were on two days of emergency leave were seen helping volunteers from the Malaysian Red Crescent Society prepare lunch.

Azlina Zaini, 27, Norhaina Badayamin, 25, and Jamil Ahmad, 48, decided to spend time assisting the residents.

“We miss our homes but are glad that everyone is safe. None of our cars were destroyed but a few of our friends lost their new cars, one had a five-week-old Gen-2 that was crushed in the landslide,” Azlina said.

Malaysian Red Crescent Society disaster management officer Abdul Kadir Khamis said 35 volunteers and officers were in charge of pre-paring four meals for 2,000 people, including residents and the authorities.

The residents have been placed at five apartment blocks.

Meanwhile, Syabas said it had sent technical officers to conduct a thorough inspection on the landslide at Prescint 9.

Syabas corporate affairs manager Abdul Halem Mat Som said since the company took over the services, it had been conducting scheduled checks on the facilities at the hill slope, including the water tank it had , and did not find any leakages on the tank.

“We have sent our engineers to carry out a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the landslide and will submit a report to the relevant authorities for further action,” he said in a recent statement.

Checks on tank leakage warning

PUTRAJAYA: Investigations will be carried out as to whether the Public Works Department had warned Putrajaya Holdings of water leakage in the area where a landslide occurred on Thursday.

Putrajaya MP Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said he was unaware if both sides had corresponded on the matter.

“I will get Putrajaya Holdings to update me on that.

“I am not aware of the warning by PWD,” he told reporters after visiting victims who had taken temporary shelter at several blocks of apartment in Precinct 14 yesterday.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu said that last July PWD had warned of leakage from a tank.

In the 4.30am incident, 334 families, comprising 1,500 people, were evacuated from their Precinct 9 apartment after part of a 12m slope collapsed burying 25 cars.

Tengku Adnan said the victims would be given the option to remain at the newly-completed apartments in Precinct 14 or return to their old apartment.

Putrajaya OCPD Supt Abdul Razak Majid said eight cars had been removed from the area including two which were stuck between pillars of the buildings.

“Police are there 24-hours to monitor and conduct surveillance on the area to prevent any untoward incident. We will be manning the area for the next 14 days,” he said.

Utility company Syabas Sdn Bhd, in a statement said there were no signs of leakage at the water tank located on top of a hill some 100m from the landslide area.

Corporate communications and public affairs general manager Halem Mat Som said the firm had conducted checks at its facilities on hillslopes, including the one at the affected area and found no leakage.

“Our engineers are conducting a more thorough and comprehensive investigation to determine the actual cause of the landslide,” he said.

Checks on tank leakage warning

PUTRAJAYA: Investigations will be carried out as to whether the Public Works Department had warned Putrajaya Holdings of water leakage in the area where a landslide occurred on Thursday.

Putrajaya MP Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said he was unaware if both sides had corresponded on the matter.

“I will get Putrajaya Holdings to update me on that.

“I am not aware of the warning by PWD,” he told reporters after visiting victims who had taken temporary shelter at several blocks of apartment in Precinct 14 yesterday.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu said that last July PWD had warned of leakage from a tank.

In the 4.30am incident, 334 families, comprising 1,500 people, were evacuated from their Precinct 9 apartment after part of a 12m slope collapsed burying 25 cars.

Tengku Adnan said the victims would be given the option to remain at the newly-completed apartments in Precinct 14 or return to their old apartment.

Putrajaya OCPD Supt Abdul Razak Majid said eight cars had been removed from the area including two which were stuck between pillars of the buildings.

“Police are there 24-hours to monitor and conduct surveillance on the area to prevent any untoward incident. We will be manning the area for the next 14 days,” he said.

Utility company Syabas Sdn Bhd, in a statement said there were no signs of leakage at the water tank located on top of a hill some 100m from the landslide area.

Corporate communications and public affairs general manager Halem Mat Som said the firm had conducted checks at its facilities on hillslopes, including the one at the affected area and found no leakage.

“Our engineers are conducting a more thorough and comprehensive investigation to determine the actual cause of the landslide,” he said.

Part of hill slope near Putrajaya apartments collapses

By DEVID RAJAH, SIM LEOI LEOI, MAZWIN NIK ANIS and A. LETCHUMANAN

Media Player | Real Video

PUTRAJAYA: The authorities took quick action in getting immediate accommodation for 334 families who were evacuated from their apartment units at Precinct 9 here following a landslide in the wee hours of yesterday morning.

The residents would be relocated to a newly-completed apartment block in Precinct 14 for two weeks, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who visited the affected area and residents yesterday.

He said all possible assistance would be extended to the 1,500 people.

Part of a 12m-high hill slope crashed down on the parking lot, burying 25 cars, some crushed under tonnes of soil and undergrowth.


Collapsed earth: Police officers inspecting the landslide in Precinct 9, Putrajaya yesterday morning. The police said the landslide measured some 9m to 12m high and covered a 3m-wide area. — Bernama
The soil came to a halt mere centimetres away from a kindergarten housed in one of the blocks. However, no one was injured in the 4am incident.

The hillslope where the landslide happened had been planted with trees and remained stable for the past 10 years, Abdullah said.

“I am surprised as to why the landslide happened now,” he said.

According to officials, a special committee had been formed to study the safety of the hill slope as an open reservoir holding over 30 million litres of water sits on the hilltop.

The apartments are the residential quarters for civil servants from the various ministries in the administrative capital.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said affected civil servants could take time off to deal with the problem.

Putrajaya Corporation chairman Tan Sri Samsuddin Osman said it had made arrangements for residents to be temporarily placed at the community hall in Precinct 9.

“I have been told by Ikram that the building is stable but they want to conduct further tests on the ground. If they decide that it will be too dangerous for the residents to return, we will arrange for them to stay in the apartments in Precinct 14,” he said.

In Kuala Lumpur, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the Public Works Department had forewarned of water leakage from a water tank in the apartment area in July last year.

However, Samy Vellu said he was not certain if the leakage was a factor in the landslide.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique said residents would only be allowed home under police escort to gather some provisions and clothing.

Evacuated folk to get aid

Evacuated folk to get aid

PUTRAJAYA: All possible assistance will be given to the 334 families who were evacuated from their apartments at Precinct 9 following a landslide, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Prime Minister, who visited the affected area and residents, said: “Arrangements are being made to relocate all of you to a newly completed apartments in Precinct 14.”

He said the hill slope where the landslide happened had been planted with trees and remained stable for the past 10 years.

“I am surprised as to why the landslide happened now,” he said, adding that an investigation was under way to determine the cause of the landslide and remedial action needed.

Abdullah, who met the residents at the Precinct 9 community hall, said the Ikram group (formerly known as the Public Works Department’s Research & Training Institute) needed two weeks to carry out investigations.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique said residents staying in Precinct 14 for two weeks would only be allowed home under police escort to gather some provisions and clothing.

“Everybody should stay away from the place,” he said.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said she would make sure that every family affected received enough food and drinks to last a fortnight.

“They will have a place to stay for the night but the apartments won’t have a kitchen or stove so they can’t cook. The Welfare Department is also discussing with Putrajaya Corporation on whether we should give any financial aid to the victims,” she said.

Landslide in Putrajaya

Stories by GEETHA KRISHNAN and ESTHER CHANDRAN
metro@thestar.com.my
Photos by ROHAIZAT MD DARUS and GEETHA KRISHNAN

PUTRAJAYA experienced its first natural disaster when a landslide occurred behind the Phase 11 Apartments in Precinct 9.

No death and no casualty were reported in the 4.30am incident yesterday that forced the evacuation of 1,200 residents from three 15-storey apartment blocks. The landslide occurred behind Block B.

Several thudding sounds woke up a few residents on the lower floor of the block and upon looking out of their windows to investigate, they realised a landslide had occurred and the impact had caused cars to crash into one another.


No more a slope: The landslide site behind Phase 11 Apartments in Precinct 9, Putrajaya.
They contacted the police and sounded the alarm to alert most of the residents who were still asleep.

The evacuation order came from the police who arrived swiftly at the scene.

In the incident, several tonnes of earth and undergrowth slid from a height of 12m to the ground, covering a 3m-wide area. It mostly affected the parking lot behind Block B.

Initially, the Putrajaya Fire and Rescue Services Department brought in five sniffer dogs to ascertain if anyone was buried under the earth.

Following the evacuation order and fearing further soil movement, the Putrajaya police cordoned off the area.

An operations centre was set up following the arrival of authorities from the National Security Department, Public Works Depart-ment, Putrajaya Corporation and other agencies.

Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman who arrived at the scene at 9.30am said he was thankful that no one was hurt in the incident and that the evacuation was carried out smoothly.

“Residents will be temporarily housed at the Precinct 9 Residential Complex Hall while awaiting further instructions from the authorities.

“If the report is not ready by today, we will move them to the vacant government quarters in Precinct 14,” he said.

Samsudin spoke to the media after accompanying Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan to the site.

Report on mishap in two weeks

Report on mishap in two weeks

IT will take two weeks for the Public Works Department and Kumpulan Ikram Sdn Bhd (Public Works Institute of Malaysia) to release a report on the landslide in Putrajaya.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique said this after visiting the site yesterday.

“It is still too early to say what caused the landslide so we will wait for the report. The PWD and Ikram will carry out soil investigations and soil treatment to determine the cause,” he said, adding that the initial step was to place tarpaulin sheets to prevent further landslides.

Asked if the reservoir on the hill behind the apartment blocks, with the capacity to hold eight million gallons of water, faced or posed any threats, Zulhasnan declined to comment, except to say that every angle would be explored in the report.

He also declined comment on whether the incident had marred the image of Putrajaya as a planned city.

On why a retention wall was not built to prevent landslides, Putra- jaya Holdings chief executive officer Azlan Abdul Karim said it was not necessary as the slope had been cut. Putrajaya Holdings is the master developer.

Zulhasnan also announced that aid of RM500 each from PJC and Putrajaya MP Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor would be given out to each family.

Related Stories:

Shocked folks rush to save themselves

Shocked folks rush to save themselves

Junaidi: 'I was in a state of shock'
The couple and their four children live on the third floor of Block B and upon peering out of the window, they were shocked to see big clumps of earth sliding towards the block in the wee hours of the morning yesterday.

“We realised it was a landslide and the earth was pushing the cars that were parked downstairs against each other,” Normah said, adding that the sound that had roused her from her sleep was that of cars banging into each other.


Normah: Was awakened by loud crashing sounds
While Normah, 46, got her family together, Junaidi, 47, went to save his Gen-2, which was parked slightly away from the building.

“I was in a state of shock and could not even remember how to engage the automatic gear to reverse my car.

“I was very lucky as the moment I moved my car, more earth came tumbling down and the cars next to mine were buried un-der tonnes of earth,” he said.

Their daughter, Nu-rul Ain Junaidi, 20, meanwhile, called the police and Fire and Rescue Services De-partment and in a matter of minutes, help arrived.

Junaidi said for months, residents had noticed that a part of the ground nearby the drains at Block B was constantly water logged.

“It was as if there was water flowing from the slope and we informed Putrajaya Holdings (PJH) about it.

“All the contractors did to solve the problem was to divert the water flow into the drains,” he said.

Junaidi and his family were among 1,200 residents who were temporarily placed at the Precinct 9 Residential Complex Hall following the evacuation order.

At the hall, Rosmahani Mat Yaacob, 27, was seen going about taking care of her son, still dressed in her pyjamas.

Cradling the infant Irfan Fahim, who was bawling for his milk, the civil servant said she had no time to change as residents sounded the alarm following the landslide by pounding on her grill.

“My son was very restless throughout the night and I only managed to sleep at 3am.


Life goes on: Some of the landslide victims having breakfast by the roadside after being evacuated from their homes.
“So I was fast asleep and unaware of the landslide until I heard people shouting and banging the grilles.

“I grabbed my son and left the apartment quickly while my husband rushed downstairs to save his car,'' she said.

But Mohamad Haidhir Hamzah, 32, wasn't so lucky.

His year-old Naza Citra MPV was among the 23 cars destroyed in the landslide.

He has little hope for compensation because landslides are natural disasters and not covered by insurance.

Still, the civil servant is grateful for the chance to escape safely with his wife Jehan Abdullah, 30 and their two-year-old daughter.

Landslide buries 23 cars, 1,200 evacuated

Nation
Thursday March 22, 2007


Landslide buries 23 cars, 1,200 evacuated

PUTRAJAYA: Around 1,200 residents were evacuated early Thursday morning when a part of a 12m high hillslope crashed down on a parking lot, burying 23 cars under tonnes of soil and undergrowth.

The force of the landslide flipped over some cars and crushed them.

The soil came to a halt mere inches away from a kindergarten housed at one of the blocks.

However, no one was injured in the 4am incident.

Residents from 330 units of three blocks of 15-storey high apartments in Precinct 9, were asked to evacuate by the police immediately after the incident.

According to officials a special committee had been formed to study the safety of the hillslope as an open reservoir holding over 40 million litres of water sits on the hilltop.

One of the official said the committee would be carrying out soil and various other tests to determine the cause and ensure the area was safe.

The apartments are the residential quarters for civil servants from the various ministries in the administrative capital.

Some 150 police were then dispatched to secure the area affected.

A 12-member Smart team and 36 firemen, together with five sniffer dogs, were also reined in.

One resident Mohamad Haidhir Hamzah, 32, whose Naza Citra car was buried under the heap of soil, said he was woken up by a loud noise at around 3.30am but went back to sleep thinking that it was merely noise from the construction area behind his apartment in Block B.

"It's usual for us to hear such noises because of the movements of construction lorries and machinery. So, I thought it was one of those times.

"But then I was woken up by the police informing me to evacuate the premises immediately with my wife and toddler daughter. I didn't even have time to bring any food or clothes with me," he said.

Usually he would not park his car at the lot behind the apartment.

"But I came back at 5pm on Wednesday and my parking lot was already full so I had to move my car there," he said. He added the car was only a year old.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, who turned up around 9.30am to inspect the damage and spoke to the residents, said affected civil servants could take time off to deal with the problem.

"Ikram (Public Works Institute of Malaysia) has yet to give us an initial assessment of the damage as well as the condition of the ground.

"I am sure they will turn up for work as soon as the matter is settled," he said, adding that the Government would look into all matters, including the issue of aid and compensation for those affected.

Putrajaya Corporation chairman Tan Sri Samsuddin Osman said it had made arrangements for residents to be temporarily placed at the community hall in Precinct 9.

"I have been told by Ikram that the building is stable but they want to conduct further tests on the ground. If they decide that it will be too dangerous for the residents to return, we will arrange for them to stay in the apartments in Precinct 14," he said.

Putrajaya police chief Supt Abdul Razak Abdul Hamid said the landslide measured some nine to 12-metre high and covered a three-metre wide area.

"We have determined that no one was hurt in the incident,” he said.