Minimise the risk factor
NST 26/11/2004

I WISH to echo the comments in the letter "Official statement totally unwarranted" (NST, Nov 22). While the investigation is still being carried out, nobody should be pointing fingers at anybody, especially at the family overwhelmed by the tragedy.

Being a civil engineer myself, landslides of this nature are difficult to assess and to predict. Retaining walls can only withstand a certain amount of pressure.

I experienced my front yard collapsing by almost one metre and the destruction of a 30-metre retaining wall and fence due to a badly maintained monsoon drain. We were fortunate nobody was hurt in the incident.

While we certainly hope that the results of the investigation will reveal lessons to prevent such a tragedy from happening again, it is also a fact that nobody can ensure that there will be zero possibility of such an incident.

Even if somebody can ensure that, the costs would be astronomical. In the end, what is more important is for both the citizens and the Government to work hand in hand to minimise the risks of such incidents and, in the event they do, to ensure that all avenues of assistance are rendered. Making careless remarks will not help.

SATRIYA SUETOH
Kuala Lumpur