Taman Desa condo developer confirms slab collapse, says cause under investigation

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 — The developer of The Address condominium project in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur has affirmed a structure in the building gave way during construction earlier today.

In a statement on The Address’ official Facebook page, Maxim Holdings management also sought to assure its home buyers of its commitment to the development.

“Dear valued purchasers and concerned parties, we note your concern on the giving way of The Address 2 swimming pool slab (6th floor) during concrete casting as occurred this afternoon.

“Whilst we acknowledged the occurrence of the incident we must emphasis [sic] that the cause of the same is being investigated.

“We assure you that we are committed to ensuring the highest of building standard and the integrity of the development is of prime importance. We will spare no effort in ensuring our obligations under the SPA are fulfilled fully. Please have our assurance on that,” it said in the statement.

The project’s management team also said it will be providing updates in the coming days, and advised those with concerns or queries to seek clarification from the company’s staff.

The statement did not touch on reports of several individuals who were believed to be injured in the incident.

The incident was reported to have occurred about 3.30pm during a downpour.

Residents nearby the partially built condominium project alerted the authorities after hearing a loud crash, and feared several people may be buried under the debris.

KL Fire and Rescue Department chief Nordin Pauzi said two people were found trapped and managed to extricate one.

The man, a Bangladeshi man aged 37, was said to be seriously hurt and was sent immediately for treatment at Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s “Red Zone”.

Nordin added that rescuers were still trying to reach the second person who is trapped in a space under level one of the collapsed structure at the time of writing.

“With the cooperation of all parties, we have confirmed there is only one victim remaining. Rescuers are having a hard time due to the unstable condition of the building,” he said in a statement.

The Address, a 202-unit, low-density residential project on a rise next to a public school began construction at the end of 2017 and has faced considerable resistance from Taman Desa residents who complained of noise pollution and of the developer ignoring construction conditions set by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

This is not the first time the project has suffered construction problems.

On January 23, 2018, a crane toppled on its side during construction and caused damage to the adjoining property, Tiara Faber Condominium.