IPOH: Cameron Highlands Environmental Awareness Association (Reach) has called for an immediate suspension of works related to the proposed Royal Lily–Villa Dahlia bypass road on the highlands, citing concerns over slope stability and landslide risks.
Its president A. Dilip Martin said the project should be put on hold pending an independent and comprehensive assessment of the area’s slope stability, geological conditions, drainage system and disaster risks.
The appeal follows two consecutive days of heavy rain which, according to Dilip, resulted in landslides, soil erosion and flash floods at several locations in Cameron Highlands.
“The proposed road was located near Mount Jasar, a mountainous area with natural slopes and drainage systems that required careful assessment.
“Activities such as slope cutting, excavation or alteration of the natural terrain could potentially affect slope stability and change existing water flow patterns.
“The question is not simply how the slope performs during dry or normal weather,” he said in a statement on Friday. (Sept 11)
Dilip said the far more important question is what would happen to these slopes when heavy rainfall continues for two to three hours, or when rain persists for several consecutive days.
He called for assessments covering the stability of existing natural slopes, geological and soil conditions, drainage systems, surface and groundwater flow, extreme rainfall impacts, erosion and slope failure risks.
He stressed that Reach was not against development or improvements to infrastructure in Cameron Highlands.
“However, development must be carried out in a manner that is safe, responsible and respectful of the environment’s carrying capacity.
“We cannot compromise public safety simply to accelerate a project,” he said.
He also appealed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to intervene and called on the Federal Government to commission an independent, transparent geotechnical and slope-stability assessment.
“The authorities must assess flash flood risks, drainage capacity and changes in water flow patterns, as well as provide local residents, environmental groups, geologists, slope engineers and other stakeholders an opportunity to present their views.
“We do not want a situation where, after a tragedy occurs, everyone asks, why did we not act when the warning signs were already there
“Today, we still have a choice. Stop temporarily, investigate thoroughly, listen to the people, ensure the slopes are safe, then make a decision,” he said.
