THE landslip at Lestari Perdana in Bandar Putra Permai, Seri Kembangan on Tuesday that damaged five vehicles was a disaster waiting to happen.
A similar incident happened five years ago, so the authorities back then should have taken serious note and done what was necessary to prevent it from happening again.
The owners of 17 commercial premises nearby were instructed to stop their operations while the damage was assessed. It has been reported that repair work on the affected road would cost about RM5mil.
This landslip is a serious matter that must be acted upon immediately, especially since the inclement weather we have been experiencing lately isn’t likely to change given the vagaries of the weather due to climate change.
But first, the real cause of the landslip must be studied in depth so that appropriate measures can be taken. It is obvious that when the area was being developed, the filling of land was not done properly, hence the soil was not well compacted.
Should the developer of Lestari Perdana, the civil engineering consultant, and the local authorities be held responsible for poor supervision in this case?
During heavy rain, the soil becomes weak, making it easier to fail and slide.
The local authorities must have competent safety experts to find lasting solutions.
There is also a great need to conduct safety audits on all places that are at risk of landslides and other disasters. The audit must be done annually to identify risk factors and recommend preventive measures.
There must be no compromise when it comes to public safety. We need to build a safety culture to protect lives and property.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman
Alliance For Safe Community
