Uniform laws for hillslope development

The Sun 6/6/2006

KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Works Department (PWD) is studying all laws relating to hillslope development to ensure uniformity and conformity, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said yesterday.

He said the department was working towards applying the Slope Management Master Plan which is expected be completed in March 2008, to streamline laws imposed by relevant authorities such as, local councils.

"There are many laws and some may conflict with each other. We may have to review these laws ensure uniformity," Samy Vellu told reporters after opening the Seventh World Tamil Teachers Conference here.

The PWD's Slope Engineering Division had held discussions with the relevant government departments and agencies since March to gauge their response.

"We are merely recommending what and how development should take place along hill slopes because some laws fall under the jurisdiction of the state governments and local councils," Samy Vellu said.

He said the master plan would also study the existing jurisdiction of the PWD over
private lands.

He said there were instances when PWD engineers were prevented from entering private land to conduct monitoring and soil tests.

Samy Vellu said the master plan would contain concrete proposals, strategies and an action plan to reduce losses incurred as a result of landslides.

"There will be a 15-year long-term plan, a 10-year medium-term plan and a five-year short-term plan," he said.

The PWD will spend RM5.2 million over the next two years to prepare the master plan. - Bernama