DBKL to introduce slope maintenance guidelines after spate of landslides

KUALA LUMPUR City Hall (DBKL) wants to strengthen its slope unit and introduce slope maintenance guidelines following more than 100 reports of landslides in less than two years.

In a statement, DBKL mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh said that the slope unit, which falls under the Civil Engineering and Drainage Department, would focus on more vigilant monitoring as well as implementing early warning systems at high-risk areas.

“Slope monitoring will help in mobilising quicker action when there are early signs of slope failure.

“The unit will also be responsible for updating existing slope data in the Kuala Lumpur Slope Information System (KULSIS) so that it records the latest and most accurate information on the number of slopes.”

On the early warning system, Kamarulzaman said it would be implemented in Kuala Lumpur in stages, with priority at hotspot locations.

“The slope unit will also carry out programmes for city stakeholders on slope maintenance, primarily in privately-owned areas,” he said, adding the unit would be collaborating with NGOs such as Persatuan Geologi Malaysia to utilise their knowledge and expertise.

He said that DBKL recorded 108 landslide-related complaints since December 2021, with 59 complaints involving road reserves under DBKL jurisdiction, while 49 slopes were under the responsibility of private landowners.

Kamarulzaman said that slope maintenance in Kuala Lumpur involved various parties and was dependent on the land ownership of the area.

“For example, if a landslide occurs in an area under the jurisdiction of the Federal Land Commissioner, the Public Works Department will take mitigation measures such as during the recent incident at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (Maca) on April 26. “However, DBKL will be prepared to give assistance where necessary.”

On May 4, another landslide caused the death of a security guard at Wisma YPR in Taman Seputeh.

The landslide occurred at a privately-owned premises under the purview of DBKL.

Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh had called for the DBKL slope unit to be equipped with expert personnel to deal with erosion and landslide issues more effectively, following the landslide at Maca.