MPAJ has nearly completed stabilisation works on a slope facing a condominium along Jalan Bukit Indah in Taman Bukit Indah. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) is integrating advanced technology with consistent on-ground inspections across its jurisdiction to prevent landslides in its areas.
The council is actively monitoring over 370 vulnerable sites using tools like Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) mapping and early warning systems.
MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said their goal was to prevent disasters using technology, planning and consistent field monitoring.
He added that MPAJ’s approach prioritised long-term prevention over reactive measures.
“Slope maintenance is a continuous process. It is not something done on an ad-hoc basis,” he said in a statement to StarMetro.
Hasrolnizam said LiDAR mapping, introduced in 2009, enables the council to identify and categorise slopes according to three risk levels (high, medium and low), allowing for more targeted interventions.
“Based on this data, we have identified 374 slope locations at varying risk levels across both government and privately owned land,” he said, adding that these sites are monitored systematically each year.
Hasrolnizam says MPAJ’s approach prioritises long-term prevention over reactive measures.
Repair and stabilisation works had been ongoing since 2010, particularly on government land.
For private properties, Hasrolnizam said notices and advisories were issued to owners to ensure they maintain their slopes in accordance with safety standards.
He said the local council also carried out supporting measures such as removing high-risk trees, improving drainage systems and conducting routine inspections.
“These works help reduce the load on slopes and improve water flow, which are critical to preventing slope failure,” he said.
However, he cautioned that changing weather patterns could alter slope conditions, making continued oversight essential.
“This is why continuous monitoring and follow-up are crucial,” he added.
Hasrolnizam said this when asked about MPAJ’s slope management and maintenance efforts following the rockfall incident in Mutiara Court Apartment in Taman Bukit Permai on Nov 3 which damaged six vehicles.
He said developers must conduct slope stability studies for new projects.
“If reinforcement works are needed, they must be carried out and certified by the relevant government agencies through the state technical committee for environmentally sensitive areas before any approval is given,” he said.
In 2023, the council removed high-risk trees and upgraded drains at 61 sites to reduce slope load and improve safety.
That same year, the Selangor government allocated RM4.8mil to instal Early Warning Systems (EWS) for slopes at Taman Bukit Jaya, Jalan Wangsa 3, Jalan Bunga Melati 1, and Jalan Mega 3 and 5.
Hasrolnizam said the system transmitted rainfall data directly to MPAJ and relevant agencies as an early alert during heavy rains.
He added that slope stabilisation works were also carried out at a few locations, including Taman Bukit Utama, Taman Bukit Indah, Kampung Tasek Permai, Ukay Heights, Taman Bukit Permai 2, Taman Melawati and Taman Keramat.
