The incident at the Highland Towers condominium complex was a catastrophic structural failure that unfolded in the Ampang district of Kuala Lumpur. The disaster was primarily caused by relentless heavy rainfall that saturated the ground and led to a landslide. Adding to the detrimental scenario was water flowing from a construction site nearby, reported to have contributed significantly to the instability of the land beneath the towers. On that fateful day, a 12-storey block of the complex collapsed, leading to immediate chaos and loss of life. Emergency services mobilized quickly but faced immense challenges due to the scale of the collapse and the surrounding conditions. Rescue efforts were launched, but tragedy struck as the toll rose to 48 fatalities—the rescue of one individual was later overshadowed by their death in a hospital after surviving the initial disaster. Only two occupants managed to emerge alive from the catastrophe, leaving an indelible mark on the community and raising concerns about building safety in the region.

In the aftermath, investigations brought to light negligence in construction practices and highlighted the need for stricter regulatory measures in urban planning. The event became a pivotal moment in Kuala Lumpur's history, prompting the government to reevaluate building codes and enforcement. Local authorities recognized the risks associated with constructing buildings in areas prone to landslides, leading to better risk assessments in future projects. This tragedy highlighted the importance of environmental considerations in urban development and triggered widespread discussions about safety protocols and disaster preparedness in Malaysia.