SYNOPSIS   

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Klang Valley, the intersection of complex geology and stringent regulatory oversight has never been more critical. Recent geological events and urban ground failures have catalyzed a paradigm shift in how authorities approach geotechnical safety. "Ground Resilience & Regulatory Mastery" is a premier one-day seminar designed to bridge the gap between technical engineering excellence and the evolving submission requirements of Malaysia’s key regulatory bodies.

Klang Valley’s unique terrain—ranging from the unpredictable limestone karst formations of Kuala Lumpur to the precarious steep slopes of Selangor—presents a high-stakes challenge for developers and engineers alike. This seminar moves beyond basic compliance, reframing the submission process as a strategic asset. By aligning technical rigor with the specific expectations of DBKL, IKRAM, and JKR Selangor, participants will learn to mitigate subsurface risks effectively while streamlining the path to project approval.

What the Seminar Covers:

• The Regulatory Roadmap: Gain direct insights from DBKL on the latest mandates for
   geotechnical reports in urban developments and JKR Selangor’s technical criteria for slope
   stability and infrastructure interfacing.
• Technical Excellence & Forensic Insights: Join IKRAM in discussing the critical necessity of
   integrating technical rigor into the approval process for hillside expansion. This session
   explores the essential roles of geotechnical investigations and slope stability assessments in
   minimizing hazards such as landslides and structural instability. Furthermore, it examines the
   potential of digital transformation tools, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), to
   enhance data coordination and decision-making in complex terrain projects.
•  Navigating Complex Terrains: Strategies for managing the "Kuala Lumpur Limestone" hazards
   and the sedimentary formations of the wider Selangor region.
•  Submission Success: A deep dive into the "Reviewer’s Perspective," highlighting the common
   pitfalls that lead to rejected reports and how to provide actionable data that meets authority
   standards the first time.


  PRESENTERS

1) DBKL : Ir. Rusnida Talib

Ir. Rusnida Talib is an accomplished Senior Deputy Director at Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), currently overseeing the Civil Engineering Section. With over 20 years of expertise, she leads strategic infrastructure projects, slope maintenance, and utility permits, recently serving as the technical lead for the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole incident.

A dedicated volunteer leader, she is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), where she serves as a Council Member and the Honorary Secretary for Women Engineers. Her extensive service also includes contributions to the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). An advocate for sustainable urbanism, she frequently presents on low-carbon infrastructure across ASEAN.

Ir. Rusnida holds an MSc. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnique) from Universiti Teknologi MARA, reinforcing her technical leadership in geotechnical risk and urban management.

Topic
Safe Ground, Sure Approval: Reframing the Geotechnical Submission Mindset

Synopsis:
Safe Ground, Sure Approval.
Navigating the complexities of geotechnical and earthworks submissions in Kuala Lumpur’s unique terrain, from limestone karst to steep slopes; requires more than just compliance; it demands a shift in mindset. This session reframes the submission process as a strategic asset rather than a regulatory hurdle. By aligning technical rigor with authority expectations, engineers can effectively mitigate subsurface risks and streamline approvals. Explore the best practices for geotechnical reports and earthwork requirements, providing actionable insights to ensure your next development stands on safe ground with a definitive path to approval.


2) JKR Selangor : Ir. Mohd Izham Bin Mohd Hanafiah

Ir. Mohd Izham Bin Mohd Hanafiah currently serves at JKR Negeri Selangor as the Head of the Slope Unit and brings over 21 years of extensive experience in the construction industry, with professional exposure across the public and private sectors, including roles as a developer, contractor, and engineering consultant. His career includes appointments with leading organizations such as IOI Properties Group Berhad, Gadang Engineering Sdn Bhd, SSP, ARUP Perunding Sdn Bhd, and DPI Konsult.

Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in several major infrastructure and mega development projects, including the Penang Second Bridge Project, Kemuning–Shah Alam Highway Project, LCCT2 and the Sungai Buaya Interchange Project.

He holds both a Degree and a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi MARA and Universiti Selangor and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering by Research, further strengthening his expertise and commitment to advancing professional practice in slope engineering and geotechnical development.

Topic
The JKR Selangor Evaluation Standards: Ensuring Constructability and Regulatory Compliance in Complex Terrains
Synopsis:

As a technical authority under JTPKSAS, Jabatan Kerja Raya Negeri Selangor faces major challenges in assessing consultant proposals for hillside developments in state of  Selangor by ensuring that the feasibility of the proposed development planning is technically acceptable and supported by comprehensive geotechnical investigation, realistic slope engineering analysis, drainage and infrastructure integration, environmental sensitivity considerations, constructability assessment, and compliance with regulatory requirements, while balancing development objectives with engineering practicality, long-term slope performance, public safety, and professional accountability.


3. IKRAM Works Sdn. Bhd. : Dato’ Ir. Ts. Hj. Mohd Taufik Bik Haron

Dato’ Ir. Ts. Hj. Mohd Taufik Bik Haron is the Chief Executive Officer of IKRAM Works Sdn. Bhd., a leading engineering and consultancy company. He is a highly experienced Professional Engineer (Ir.) and Professional Technologist (Ts.) with strong expertise in Civil Engineering, particularly in Geotechnical and Geo-Environmental Engineering.

He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and has accumulated decades of professional experience in the engineering industry. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in numerous complex infrastructure and hillside development projects, providing technical leadership in slope engineering, ground investigation, and environmental risk management.

In addition, he is also an expert in digital construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM), actively promoting the adoption of digital technologies in engineering practice to enhance project delivery, coordination, and decision-making. He is a member of Pertubuhan BIM Malaysia, reflecting his commitment to advancing digital transformation in the construction industry. His professional focus includes engineering safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainable development practices. Recognised for his strong technical acumen and leadership, he continues to contribute significantly to advancing geotechnical engineering and digital construction practices in Malaysia while promoting innovation and excellence in engineering consultancy and project delivery.

Topic
Safeguard Hilly Developments Integrating Technical Rigor Into The Regulatory Approval Process

Synopsis:
This presentation discusses the importance of safeguarding hilly developments by integrating technical rigor into the regulatory approval process.
As urban expansion increasingly extends into hillside areas, the risks of landslides, soil erosion, drainage failures, and structural instability have become major concerns. The presentation explains how proper planning, engineering analysis, and strict regulatory oversight are essential to ensure safe and sustainable development in hilly terrain. It highlights the role of geotechnical investigations, slope stability assessments, environmental impact studies, and compliance with engineering standards in minimizing hazards.

In addition, the presentation examines existing approval procedures, challenges in enforcement, and the consequences of inadequate technical evaluation through selected case studies. Recommendations are proposed to strengthen regulatory frameworks, improve monitoring systems, and encourage collaboration among authorities, engineers, and developers. The presentation also briefly explores the potential of digital transformation tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to improve data coordination, visualization, and decision-making in hilly development projects.

Overall, the presentation emphasizes that integrating comprehensive technical assessments into the approval process is critical for protecting human safety, infrastructure, and the environment in hilly development projects.


  FORUM MODULATOR

Ir. EG Balakrishnan is a distinguished civil engineer with more than 40 years of experience, specializing deeply in the geotechnical discipline. He earned his honours degree from University Malaya in 1985 and later completed a Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering at the Asian Institute of Technology in 1994, building a career that spans both the construction and consultancy sectors. In 1998, he established GCU Consultants Sdn Bhd, a firm he successfully led until its acquisition by Aurecon in 2021, after which he served as Managing Director and Senior Advisor before assuming the role of Technical Director at ArdentGeo Consulting Services Sdn Bhd in 2026. His extensive professional portfolio includes a leading role in Malaysia’s most significant infrastructure developments, such as the MRT Phase 1 & 2, the High Speed Rail, and the Penang LRT, with technical expertise covering foundations, ground treatments, and retention systems for high-rise buildings and large-scale civil works. Beyond his consultancy achievements, Ir. Bala has published his master’s research on bored pile analysis in the prestigious ASCE Journal and is a prolific author of over 15 technical papers, a frequent seminar presenter, and an active member of professional bodies including IEM, MGS, and ASCE, while also serving as a moderator for the PEPC Geotech panel and an AIAC Adjudicator with ten cases completed to date.