Working closely to avert tragedies

PETALING JAYA: The traffic police will work closely with the Public Works Department (JKR) to avert tragedies during downpours along the 2,000 odd dangerous slopes along federal roads nationwide.

Deputy Traffic director ACP Ruslan Khalid praised the JKR for coming up with a comprehensive map showing 2,576 dangerous slopes along federal roads.

He said such information came in handy to avert tragedies during heavy rain.

“The moment JKR notify us of any possible hazard, we can help divert traffic as part of pre-emptive measures,” he said.

On Thursday, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof disclosed to The Star all the landslide-prone sites along federal roads stretching 17,720km in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.

They include slopes in Cameron Highlands, Lojing, Hulu Terengganu, Hulu Perak, Ampang, Ipoh, Penang and Kuala Lumpur in the peninsula, Kundasang and Sandakan in Sabah, as well as Kapit and Miri in Sarawak.

Of the dangerous slopes, JKR had tagged 992 as most hazardous, warranting urgent strengthening jobs.

However, as the budget is limited, JKR could only carry out repairing and strengthening works in stages according to urgency.

Ruslan said usually their assistance was sought to divert traffic after a landslide.

In another development, the Penang government has formed a special committee to monitor and inspect hillslopes in the state.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state viewed possible landslides seriously and has set up the committee comprising the state JKR, Penang Island City Council and Land Office.