KUALA LUMPUR: Lt Col (Rtd) Hishamuddin Jumat Abbas Jumat spent his career training and preparing soldiers for war. Little did he expect that after retiring in 2012, he would find himself in a different kind of battle – one that hits close to home.
Hishamuddin and his wife, Faizah Abdul Jalil, are leading a one-family campaign against parties involved in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), alleging that construction works have compromised the safety and structural integrity of their home in Taman Mutiara Gombak 2.
The couple recently filed a RM1.33 million lawsuit against project contractor China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC), project owner Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), and the Selayang Municipal Council.
Over the weekend, Hishamuddin and Faizah, joined by their neighbour Dr Ansarutheen Mohiadeen Abdul Kader and lawyer Ashmadi Othman, hosted members of the media at their home. It was the first time Hishamuddin had found himself facing journalists under such circumstances.
“Frankly speaking, this is a hassle. It is a burden to us. It’s troublesome. We are fighting three big entities,” Hishamuddin told Twentytwo13.
“We want some form of assurance that our home is safe from those responsible for this project.”
Hishamuddin claimed construction activities on a nearby hillside since early 2024 had caused significant water accumulation in the soil, resulting in structural tremors.
He said the strong vibrations had damaged parts of his home, including the floor, walls and ceiling.
“I am also worried about the possible repercussions for my house, including a landslip once the ECRL begins operations next year,” he said.
His biggest frustration, however, is what he described as being given the runaround for the past two years despite raising his concerns through official channels. Left with no other option, he decided to take legal action.
“Are we expected to simply accept this?” he asked.
“We’ve been complaining since 2024. We have exhausted all official channels. That is why we carried out our own study and commissioned experts, who reported that the slope behind our house is unstable and that the ground is water-saturated.
“Thus, we are concerned,” he added.
All Hishamuddin wants is assurance that he, his family and his neighbours are safe.
His fears are not without basis. Residents, particularly in the Klang Valley, have repeatedly found themselves affected by developments that turned into nightmares. From highways cutting through residential neighbourhoods to high-rise buildings erected right on their doorstep, the pattern is often the same – poor engagement by the relevant parties, legal threats and, more often than not, an unhappy ending for residents.
More often than not, residents end up accepting the developments because they lack the resources to challenge project owners and developers.
“We have seen how these things unfold and the excuses that follow. Just look at what happened during the landslides in Bukit Antarabangsa (Ampang) and the inferno that destroyed homes in Putra Heights (Subang Jaya).
“Sadly, only when tragedy strikes does the issue receive attention,” he added.
