KUALA LUMPUR: The sedimentary rock beneath the Taman Melawati landslide area here is stable, said Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Ahmad said inspections by the Minerals and Geoscience Department today also found no soil movement in any of the sites.
"The preliminary investigation by the Works Department's Slope Engineering Branch at the landslide site in Taman Melawati yesterday found that the slope failure was caused by soil erosion.
"The erosion affected only the surface layer of soil, which slipped due to water overflowing onto the slope.
"The water came from a clogged drain."
He said this after visiting the landslide site.
The authorities had identified short-term mitigation action, which included clearing landslide debris, including drains, above and below the slope.
"Tree pruning in the slope area and temporary waterflow diversion are ongoing.
"Also, the slope collapse is being covered with canvas, and will be completed shortly.
"We will ensure that the drain at the top is monitored and cleaned immediately.
"Any slope repair will be the responsibility of the developer, and the Works Department will provide advice."
He added that an initial report on the landslide would be submitted as early as tomorrow by the Slope Engineering Branch to the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council.
Heavy rain had led to a landslide at Jalan E6 yesterday.
Fire and Rescue Department personnel said the 20m-by-20m slope had collapsed from a height of 30m.
Police had ordered residents of 20 homes near the landslide to evacuate.