BALIK PULAU: The Works Ministry is closely monitoring over 2,000 high-risk slopes across the country during the ongoing northeast monsoon season, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The Works Minister said that these slopes are among the 27,000 identified under the Public Works Department's (JKR) Disaster Operations Room (BiGBen) system.
"We are aware of the locations and severity of these slopes, identifying those needing immediate action and those under watch, with continuous monitoring in place," he told reporters after inspecting a slope repair project along Jalan Balik Pulau-Teluk Bahang here on Saturday (Nov 8).
The visit was also attended by Penang infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Nanta mentioned that the ministry allocates between RM200mil and RM300mil annually for slope repair works along federal roads to ensure public safety.
He added that 73 rain gauge stations have been installed nationwide to monitor rainfall and provide early warnings during the monsoon period from Nov 5 to March 2026.
"When rainfall exceeds 115mm, data from these stations is immediately transmitted to headquarters and forwarded to the relevant districts," he said.
Regarding Saturday's visit, Nanta said RM1.3mil had been approved for maintenance work on a slope damaged by landslides on Oct 23 and 24, with construction set to begin on Nov 14 and expected to take four months.
He noted that the ministry's long-term maintenance contracts would enable quicker responses to critical slope issues without lengthy procurement delays. – Bernama
