SOIL erosion on a hillslope inside a school compound in Petaling Jaya is giving jitters to those who are aware of the situation for the past four years.
Despite engaging with relevant authorities, the matter is still not addressed and a site visit to the hillslope at SMJK Katholik in Section 10 Petaling Jaya was made by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung and area councillor Derek Fernandez.
Catholic High Board of Governance chairman Tan Sri Lim Hock San said the problem needs immediate attention.
“Since the Batang Kali landslide incident, we have been worried about the situation here at the school.
“Initially, we went to the Petaling Jaya City Council to report on the matter; later we were referred to the Selangor Public Works Department and finally, we were told the Education Department is in charge.
“There are holes in the soil too and when it rains, water flows through,” said Lim, an ex-student of the school.
He added that the school had taken preventive measures and placed tarpaulin sheets over the eroded soil over the years. However, they are aware that it may not be a long-term solution as repair works should be done soon.
“The spot is such that the hillslope is the public walkway and the students too use it to enter the school. The base of the hill is inside the school compound,” he said.
A Selangor Public Works Department representative, who did not want to be named, said the area had undergone inspection and a forensic report had been sent to the Education Ministry for further action.
“The site looks dangerous not just for the students but also motorists above the hill,” said Lim.
“Since the Batang Kali incident, we have witnessed how slope movement can happen very quickly and we have to take a lesson from that.
“The cost for the project may come from the Education Ministry,” he added.
Councillor Derek Fernandez said most schools in Petaling Jaya are about 60 years old, and it requires a higher level of maintenance.
“A lot of these maintenances are costly. There should be a certain fund by the Education Ministry to ensure that there is money for school repairs and maintenance works too,” he said.
SMJK Katholik is 67 years old.
