Over 1,000 slopes in Malaysia at high risk of collapse, says minister
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The risk of collapse will be increased by heavy rain in the upcoming north-east monsoon period.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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KUALA LUMPUR – More than 1,000 slopes across Malaysia are at a high risk of collapse as heavy rain is expected to return in the upcoming north-east monsoon period, said Malaysia’s Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said the authorities have identified a total of 34,400 slopes across the country – from the peninsula (27,072), Sarawak (2,969), Sabah (4,178) and Labuan (181).
Of these slopes, Datuk Seri Nanta said a number have been found to be at high-risk of collapsing at any time: 1,066 from the peninsula, seven in Sabah, one in Sarawak and 13 in Labuan.
“Thankfully, not all slopes fall into the same high-risk category now.
“We will continue to monitor the situation on these slopes through our Disaster Operations Room,” Mr Nanta said in a press conference at the Public Works Department (JKR) headquarters in Malaysia on Sept 19.
He added that JKR has also begun early preparations for essential supplies, safety measures, and traffic management measures at these slopes as well as any other landslide-prone areas.
Mr Nanta also said alternative routes have been identified for roads found to be at high-risk of being disrupted by landslides or floods. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
