Usually, we tend to spot small cracks on the walls of aged buildings. As long as the cracks aren’t severe, we would leave them as they are, right?
However, 10 long cracks were found on the walls of Block F of the Taman Keramat Permai Flat, and 222 occupants were evacuated from their homes. That’s approximately 37 families!
On 26 April (Friday), a complaint was filed by a resident, and a fire engine with 8 firefighters was dispatched to the scene.
To investigate this incident, a forensics team from the Public Works Department (JKR) and Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) had put sensors in place to determine the cause of the cracks and structural damage, as well as to track the ground movement.
As they inspected the five-storey building, they noticed over half of the 40 units had cracked walls. Thus, this building was no longer safe to reside, leading to the decision of evacuating the occupants to the evacuation centre. The good news is that no one was injured.
It’s reported that the ground movements are still active underneath Block F, causing the cracks to accelerate when usually, it should be slow. Based on observations, the building is seen to be tilting towards a certain direction. According to Oriental Daily, the most serious cracks were found mainly on the 3rd to 5th floors and the source of the cracks spread from the spot.
The investigation is to be carried out until 29 April (Monday). If ground movement persists as well as the cracks, it might cause the building to collapse. In that case, PKNS has agreed to restore the land and building for it to be liveable again.
If restoration has been decided on, PKNS is prepared to provide temporary homes and rental payment for all affected occupants during the restoration period.
So far, no complaints were filed from the other blocks at the Taman Keramat Permai Flat. Let’s hope it stays that way.
It definitely does not feel safe to be living in a building that might collapse anytime, but it’s also kinda sad if it has been your home for your entire life. Have you encountered similar experiences? Share with us in the comments.
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