Sections of KL park closed due to soil subsidence

Following the discovery of subsidence and ground movement in several areas of Taman Pudu Ulu in Kuala Lumpur, an in-depth soil structure analysis will be conducted. According to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), investigations revealed serious subsidence around the canopy, pavilion, wading pool, and bridge areas of the park. As a result, structural damage has occurred, causing cracks and significant leaks in the wading pool. To ensure public safety, the affected areas have been immediately closed. DBKL has appointed consultants to carry out the soil analysis. Once the structural assessment is completed, repairs will be made and the damaged areas, including the canopy, will be reconstructed. Taman Pudu Ulu was designed for recreational activities such as water play.

DBKL clarified that the canopy, a prominent feature of the park, was completed in 2017 but suffered damage during a thunderstorm a few years ago. The damage posed a significant risk to visitors and the canopy was intended to be restored, but it was later found to be structurally compromised.

The pedestrian bridge spanning the wading pool in Taman Pudu Ulu has wide cracks in the structure. It is one of three areas closed. — Filepic

DBKL stated that apart from repairs, they are also maintaining the park’s landscape on a monthly basis. However, vandalism has necessitated additional repair work.

DBKL’s response comes after an article published in StarMetro on August 16 titled “No progress in park maintenance, says NGO.” The article highlighted the overall poor maintenance of the park and the closure of the popular wading pool for nearly a year. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, the chairman of the Friends of The Pudu Ulu Park Association, raised the matter and expressed disappointment over the lack of updates from DBKL regarding the issues raised.

Taman Pudu Ulu spans 25.9ha and was opened on December 15, 2007, after a long delay caused by the economic recession in the late 1990s. Phase 2 of the park started in 2015 and was launched in April 2017. In 2017, Taman Pudu Ulu served as one of the venues for the 29th SEA Games and hosted the Kuala Lumpur Orchid and Bonsai Show. The park, which features a children’s playground and rugby field, is open daily from 6am to 8pm.