Blasting causing hairline cracks, claim Dengkil homeowners

THE Taman Platinum residential area in Dengkil, Sepang in Selangor, beckons new homeowners with its clubhouse facilities and pocket playgrounds.

Of late, however, residents here have been having sleepless nights due to the appearance of hairline cracks in their homes.

“I noticed cracks had appeared on the wall of my living room while dusting.

“When I checked the rooms, I found more cracks,” said Kalaiyarasi Chandrasekaran who moved in about a year ago.

She said that though some of the cracks were barely noticeable, they seemed to be getting longer by the day.

Resident Fahmi Mohd Fauzi alleged the cracks were caused by rock blasting activities at a nearby construction site.

“My wife and I have been hearing loud whooshing-like sounds from the site daily since we returned from the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.”

Fahmi (left) says the cracks started appearing after Hari Raya.

When these sounds were heard, Fahmi said he could feel the vibrations under his feet.

The pendant lights in his dining room and the curtains would also sway slightly.

Taman Platinum Residents Association secretary Akhmal Mohd Noor said owners of the 220 units worried about their safety.

“We are concerned about the structural safety of our property. We fear that the hairline cracks will become more serious.

“Our defect warranty will be ending in another two to three months.

“What will happen then?” he asked.

Resident Ahmad Din Bachok said the homeowners had lodged a report at the Dengkil police station.

“We want to know the source of these tremors and for the parties responsible to deal with the matter.

Kalaiyarasi showing the cracks in her home.

“We have brought this up to the management office but the answer given is not satisfactory to us.

“A report was also lodged with Sepang Municipal Council through the Public Complaints Management System (Sispaa) but we have not received an update on what action will be taken,” said Ahmad Din.

When contacted, a subcontractor confirmed that rock blasting activities were taking place at a construction site near Taman Platinum.

“We have acquired the necessary permits from MPSepang, the Mineral and Geoscience Department and the police to carry out rock blasting at Lot 3357 in Dengkil until Dec 31.

“Our company has over 20 years of experience in rock blasting.

“We have installed two vibrometers − one near the guardhouse entrance into Taman Platinum and another at the back row of houses that are nearest to the construction site.

“For every blast we carry out, the readings are recorded and they have fallen within the safe range,” he said, adding that they had agreed to carry out repairs for affected houseowners.