KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 — The Public Works Department (JKR) will enhance monitoring, patrols and inspections at all identified very high-risk slopes nationwide throughout the Northeast Monsoon season.
This is to detect early signs of slope failures and to ensure drainage systems are consistently in good condition, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
"To monitor surface movement on slopes, current warning thresholds will be displayed on the JKR Landslide Early Warning System website, and early notifications will be disseminated to district and state JKR, as well as other relevant stakeholders.
"This information is based on rainfall data obtained from the Early Warning System and data from movement sensors installed on at-risk slopes," he said during the minister's question time.
He was responding to a question from Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) regarding the Ministry of Works’ preparations for the Northeast Monsoon to maintain federal roads and slopes in optimal and safe condition.
Nanta reported that, to date, 34,633 slopes have been inventoried across the country, of which 1,572 locations have been identified as very high-risk.
"Furthermore, the collection of data for slope hazard and risk maps along state roads in Peninsular Malaysia by JKR’s Slope Engineering Branch, covering 2,100 kilometres of road per slope, was completed in August," he said.
He said that in preparation for this monsoon season, the department has taken proactive measures encompassing pre-disaster, during-disaster and post-disaster strategies to ensure federal roads and slopes remain safe.
"These include outlining initial actions in the event of an incident, such as clearing passageways and diverting earth debris, as well as a traffic management plan involving the provision of temporary alternative routes.
"Attention is also given to covering the surface of failed slopes with propylene sheets to contain further collapse, before permanent repair work is carried out," he added.
