The tragedy claimed the lives of 48 people, and those affected have been living with the nightmare for more than two decades as the two other blocks have stood there, stark reminders of that dark day.
Now, the residents can finally look to a closure as there are plans to demolish the remaining buildings and turn the space into a historical site.
On Dec 11 1993, a landslide caused by heavy rain and a burst diversion pipe resulted in the fall of the 13-storey Block 1, burying many residents beneath the rubble. Those in Block 2 and 3 had to be evacuated soon after.
Earlier this month, however, on the anniversary of the collapse, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said the government had plans to “beautify” the area and turn it into a historical site. It would also involve the demolition of the remaining towers.
The erstwhile residents have welcomed the move.
Rosanna Musa, daughter of former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam, lost her brother in the incident and said many families like hers could finally get some “long overdue” closure.
“The tragedy is still very vivid in the memories of all those who were affected by it” she told FMT, “I think once the area is converted it could be the sort of place where people can go to connect with and remember their loved ones who passed.”
“When it does finally open, it can definitely be the kind of place that I, my father and my brother’s daughter would want to visit. It’s good for the neighbourhood too, they’ve had to live for over 25 years with a memory I’m sure they would like to put to rest.”
Harbans Singh, the vice president of the Taman Sri Ukay Hillview Residents Association at the time of the collapse also welcomed the idea, and said he remembers the day of the disaster well.
“My house is just down the road, and at first we heard this trembling noise. After an hour or so we realised something bad had happened because all the emergency lorries and cars had come. We walked out of the house and saw that of the three towers, only two were still standing.
“I think it will be good to have some sort of memorial site, it was really an unprecedented event, and it would be a good idea to be a park, there are a lot of birds here, it would be good greenery and good for the neighbourhood.”
Current residents’ association president Siti Hendon Chik, remembers well the “fear, trauma and disbelief,” many were left with all those years ago and said residents are eager to see action finally be taken.
She said residents have been told of plans to address the site for years, but until now have seen no progress.
“Promises were first made about two years ago, so we’ve been waiting for things to finally materialise. The residents haven’t been happy with the delay, so we’re all really hopeful things will start moving soon.”