PUTRAJAYA: The flash floods and landslides in Cameron Highlands, which have claimed five lives, are the direct result of environmental degradation caused by illegal land clearing, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Deputy Prime Minister said plantations that did not comply with standards of highland agriculture were also one of the causes.
“These activities have resulted in excess water trapped by plastic sheets used to cover crops,” he said. “The overflowing water runs into the river, flooding the affected areas.”
On the worsening soil erosion in the area, Muhyiddin said he had directed the Geology Department – which is under the purview of the Department of Environment – to focus more on Cameron Highlands.
The department is undertaking a nationwide investigation on soil erosion.
“We need to identify the unstable areas facing the risk of collapse and work on an action and mitigation plan,” he said.
The mitigation plan would also include measures to be taken if an area included houses so as to avoid the loss of lives and damage to property.
“The department has to look at the whole of Cameron Highlands, especially the areas under agriculture or illegal occupation,” said Muhyiddin.
“I am not sure how long it would take for it to prepare the plan but it must be done as soon as possible,” he said. “We would not know unless we do a comprehensive study.”
On Nov 5, flash floods and landslides struck Kampung Raja, Pekan Ringlet and Bertam Valley, killing five people including a 13-year-old boy who was swept away along Sungai Terlom in Kuala Terla.
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