The Highland Towers tragedy remains one of the darkest chapters in Malaysian history. While the name refers to a three-block condominium complex in Ulu Klang, Selangor, it is primarily remembered for the catastrophic collapse of Block 1 on December 11, 1993.
1. The 1993 Tragedy
The Event: After ten days of continuous heavy rain, a massive landslide triggered the collapse of Block 1 at approximately 1:35 PM.
Casualties: The disaster claimed 48 lives. Despite a 12-day search and rescue operation involving international teams from Japan and France, only three people were pulled out alive (one later passed away).
The Cause: Investigations revealed that the collapse was due to unstable soil and poor drainage systems, exacerbated by land clearing and construction on the hill behind the towers.
2. Current Status (as of January 2026)
As of early 2026, the two remaining blocks (Block 2 and Block 3) are still standing but are in a state of extreme decay.
Abandoned State: For over 30 years, the site has been a "ghost town." The structures are hollowed out, covered in graffiti, and have frequently been used as hideouts for criminal activities and drug addicts.
Demolition Stalled: In mid-2025, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) attempted to get a court order to demolish the remaining blocks. However, the bid stalled in the Magistrate's Court because the original landowner had been wound up (bankrupt).
Legal Hurdles: As of late 2025, MPAJ is escalating the matter to the High Court to obtain the legal right to carry out the demolition, which is estimated to cost between RM6 million and RM7 million.
3. Future Plans
While there have been various proposals over the decades, the current consensus is that the land is unsuitable for new high-rise residential buildings due to soil instability.
Historical Site/Memorial: There have been government proposals to turn the area into a historical site or a recreational park with a memorial monument to honor the victims.
Safety Concerns: Nearby residents continue to push for demolition to eliminate the safety risks and social issues associated with the abandoned ruins.
The Highland Towers saga is as much about legal complexity as it is about the physical tragedy. Here is a deeper look at why those two remaining blocks still stand and the harrowing details of the rescue that followed the collapse.
Why is demolition taking so long?
For over 30 years, the site has been a legal and administrative "deadlock."
Land Ownership & Bankruptcy: The primary obstacle is that the original developer and landowner, Highland Properties Sdn Bhd, has been wound up (liquidated).
1 Because the company no longer exists, the local council (MPAJ) cannot simply demand they tear it down. As of late 2025 and early 2026, MPAJ has had to escalate the matter to the High Court to get legal "leave" (permission) to act on behalf of a non-existent owner.2 The "All Owners" Consent Rule: Even though Block 1 collapsed, Block 2 and 3 still technically belong to their individual unit owners. Under Malaysian law, the council could face massive lawsuits for "trespass" or "destruction of property" if they demolish the buildings without the unanimous consent of every single owner. Tracking down 100+ owners or their next-of-kin after three decades has proven nearly impossible.
Cost vs. Liability: Demolition is estimated to cost between RM6 million and RM7 million.
3 The council (MPAJ) is hesitant to spend public funds on private land unless they are legally shielded from future claims by former residents.The 2006 Federal Court Ruling: A landmark court ruling in 2006 actually granted the local council immunity from being sued for negligence regarding the collapse.
4 This immunity ironically complicated things, as it removed some of the legal pressure to resolve the site's status quickly.
The 1993 Rescue Mission: A Timeline of Hope and Heartbreak
The collapse of Block 1 triggered Malaysia’s first truly international search and rescue (SAR) operation.
Day 1 (Dec 11): The Miracle Survivors
Within hours of the collapse, rescuers pulled out Umi Rashidah (a domestic worker) and her 18-month-old daughter, Nur Hamidah.5 A third survivor, Shizue Nakajima (a Japanese national), was also rescued but tragically died in the hospital from internal bleeding.6 These would be the only people saved.+1
Day 3–5: Global Assistance
Because Malaysia lacked a specialized urban SAR team at the time, experts arrived from Singapore (SCDF), France (Sécurité Civile), Japan, the UK, and the USA.7 They brought high-tech equipment like heartbeat detectors and thermal sensors.
The "Knocking" sounds:
On several nights, French rescuers reported hearing "knocking" and scratching sounds deep within the rubble.8 This kept hope alive for nearly a week. They even found a note tied to a wire, but they were never able to reach the sender.
Day 9 (Dec 19): The Grim Discovery
As hopes faded, rescuers shifted from "rescue" to "recovery." They discovered 29 bodies huddled together near a staircase between the 3rd and 5th floors.9 It appeared many had tried to flee but were crushed instantly when the building pancaked.
The Legacy (SMART Team):
The chaos and lack of local expertise during this mission directly led to the formation of Malaysia’s elite SMART (Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team) in 1995.10
The Site Today (2026)
The site remains a "time capsule" of 1993. Inside the remaining blocks, you can still see rotting furniture, 90s-era wallpaper, and personal belongings left behind by residents who were given only minutes to evacuate Block 2 and 3 before they were cordoned off forever.
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9 January 2026; 12.55 a.m
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