KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has identified 26,722 slopes nationwide, with 1,577 categorised as "Very High" risk, says Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He added that 1,706 additional slopes have been marked as 'High' risk.
Ahmad said that the ministry, through its Slope Engineering Branch in collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia, is proactively working on slope risk management.
"The National Slope Master Plan (PICN) 2009-2023, which has been extended to 2030, aims to mitigate landslide risks in line with the UN Disaster Risk Reduction Sendai Framework," he said in response to Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (Barisan-Pekan).
Ahmad added that the extended plan focuses on reducing landslide risks through eleven components, such as hazard mapping, early warning systems, public education, and sustainable slope management.
He also said that the Slope Hazard and Risk Mapping Guidelines (PBRC) have been created as a reference for relevant authorities to assess and map slope risks. "These guidelines, launched on October 11, are vital for determining the hazard and risk levels of slopes," he added.
Ahmad then added that significant data collection has resulted in Hazard and Risk Maps for slopes along Federal Roads in Peninsular Malaysia, identifying those particularly prone to collapse.
"We have finished eight preventive slope works costing RM17.725mil in 2024, and 147 corrective projects with a total expenditure of RM158.81mil," he said.
The ministry has prepared for possible slope disasters with the Landslide Early Warning System (EWS), which helps detect at-risk slopes and provides early warnings to JKR offices, Ahmad added.
In case of a landslide, immediate measures include clearing debris, organising traffic control, installing temporary diversions, and covering damaged slopes with tarpaulin to prevent further incidents before permanent repairs start, said Ahmad.
