WHAT is the difference between a Class 3 and a Class 4 hillslope?

Ever since the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide tragedy on Dec 6, 2008, people have learned that hillslopes are classified according to varying gradients.

Class 1 is for gradients of less than 15 degrees; Class 2 (between 15 and 25 degrees); Class 3 (between 25 and 35 degrees); and Class 4 (over 35 degrees).

A Federal Territories Ministry spokesman said that classification was not a simple matter as besides the gradient, other factors like the soil condition was taken into consideration.

WHETHER the proposed 17-storey condominium project at Jalan Medang Kapas, Bukit Bandaraya, takes off or not will depend on a report by the Public Works Institute of Malaysia (Ikram).

The study by Ikram is ongoing and a preliminary report is expected to be out some time next month. Kuala Lumpur City Hall has admitted that it gave the project its approval with the issuance of a development order on June 2 last year.

A statement by City Hall’s corporate communications unit last Friday said that this was done after taking into consideration:

A STORM of controversy is brewing over two development projects in upscale Bangsar. One is a project that has been put on hold by the Federal Territories Ministry following safety concerns by residents.

The other, meanwhile, is causing consternation to residents over its ambitious development plan on a relatively small plot of land.