KUALA LUMPUR: More than 1,000 slopes across the country are at high risk of collapse as heavy rain is expected in the upcoming northeast monsoon period, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The Works Minister said a total of 34,400 slopes across the country have been identified, including 27,072 in the peninsula, Sabah (4,178), Sarawak (2,969) and Labuan (181).
Of these slopes, he said a number has been found to be at high-risk of collapsing at any time, which include 1,066 in the peninsula, seven in Sabah, one in Sarawak and 13 in Labuan.
“We will continue to monitor the situation through the ministry’s Disaster Operations Room (BiGBen),” Nanta said during a press conference at the Public Works Department (JKR) here yesterday.
Monitoring hub: Nanta and Works deputy director-general (infra sector) Ir Mohd Shahrom Ahmad Saman (right) being briefed by a BiGBen staff member in Kuala Lumpur. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Nanta said the ministry has also begun early preparations such as safety and traffic management measures in these areas.
He added that alternative routes have been identified for roads found to be at high risk of being disrupted by landslides or floods.
Nanta also said the BiGBen, which is operated by JKR, has been kicked into high alert and would be used as a central hub for all information on any monsoon-related disasters.
This includes real-time information on floods, landslides, road collapse or infrastructure damage involving any federal and state roads.
He said doing so would help to better coordinate disaster relief efforts.
Nanta encouraged the public to keep up to date via JKR’s disaster management portal at bencana.jkr.gov.my, its eBencana App, or from updates from the BiGBen Facebook page.
“Users of the website or application can also quickly see if a road is fully or partially closed, and check if an alternative route has been provided,” he said.
