Humidity a threat to landslide areas

PETALING JAYA: Landslide-prone slopes could turn out to be disaster zones in the humid atmosphere and the authorities are zooming in on locations that need urgent attention.

As the weather is beyond control, the Public Works Department (PWD) is watching landslide-prone areas under its jurisdiction.

Science, Technology and Innova­tion Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau said the weather had remained humid since last weekend, although it should be dry during the current south-west monsoon season.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), which is under the ministry, affirmed that the humid weather was caused by low air pressure over the South China Sea close to Malaysia.

The low pressure led to a build-up of clouds, bringing persistent rain.

“This humid climate is expected until mid-week. At the same time, there has been an increase in the intensity of rain,” Tangau said.

A MetMalaysia spokesman said the occurrence of La Nina could only be confirmed after October.

However, most climate models predict that La Nina would most probably occur by the end of the year, she said.