Highland Towers Demolition Set for End of Year after Two Decades

The abandoned Highland Towers Condominium in Hulu Kelang is finally set to be demolished by the end of this year. This decision comes after the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) received approval from the magistrate court just last week. For more than two decades, this structure has been left abandoned, but now, the path is clear for its removal.

Council deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari expressed that they are currently coordinating the necessary steps for the demolition process. This includes organizing a meeting with unit owners, developers, and insolvency authorities. The main goal is to ensure that the demolition is completed by the end of the year. During the Car-Free Programme as part of MPAJ’s World Environment Day 2026, this announcement was made, with senior political adviser to the prime minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, also in attendance.

The tragic incident that occurred on Dec 11, 1993, where Tower 1 of the Highland Towers collapsed, resulting in the loss of 48 lives due to soil erosion from heavy rains, is a somber memory associated with this structure. Moving forward, Hasrolnizam emphasized the council’s dedication to green initiatives that benefit the community, such as recycling campaigns, clean-up activities, tree planting, and environmental education programs, all contributing to sustainable development.

The significance of events like the Car-Free day is not just about recreation but also emphasizes promoting a healthy lifestyle, reducing reliance on vehicles, and increasing public awareness about environmental conservation. Hasrolnizam also highlighted that World Environment Day serves as a reminder for individuals to reflect on their roles in protecting the environment. While it’s the government’s responsibility, it’s also a shared duty of the entire community to take actions like recycling, reducing plastic use, maintaining cleanliness, and planting trees to positively impact environmental well-being.