National Slope Master Plan Ready In 2008 - Samy Vellu
The Star 7/8/2006

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The National Slope Master Plan, outlining policies and objectives, to guide future management of slopes to meet the demands of development, is expected to be released in March 2008.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the master plan, mooted in March this year and drawn up by his ministry's slope engineering division, would serve as a guide on how slopes should be maintained to avoid landslides and other mishaps.

"Once completed, the success in the implementation of the master Plan requires the cooperation of the relevant government agencies and the public," he said when opening an international conference on slopes here Monday.

Samy Vellu said the master plan comprises 10 key components, among them, are formulation of strategies and institutional framework, hazard mapping and assessments, early warning and real-time monitoring system.

He said the plan was needed as the country had experienced major landslides along highways and in residential areas, resulting in loss of lives and economic hardship to the public.

These incidents include the collapse of Highland Towers in 1993 which killed 48 people, mudslide at Genting Sempah in 1995 killing 20 people, mudslide at Pos Dipang, Perak, in 1996 which wiped out an Orang Asli settlement, resulting in the death of 44 people and the rockfall in Bukit Lanjan in 2003, causing the closure of the North-South Expressway for six months.

"Therefore, proper slope management which includes policies, designs, maintenance, enforcement and public awareness are very important. The government is aware of the need to provide safe slopes to save lives.

"We can no longer be complacent. Actions must be taken from lessons learnt from the experiences here in Malaysia and abroad," he said.

In efforts to have safer slopes, the government set up the slope engineering division at the Public Works Department in 2004.

"The division has been tasked with managing and reducing slope failures in the country. This includes formulation of proactive slope safety policies, comprehensive slope management system, higher safety standards for slopes and better public awareness on slope hazards.

"It has been entrusted by the government to undertake the National Slope Master Plan study in response to the rising landslide problems and realisation of negative impacts of landslides in the country," he said.

Samy Vellu said due to rapid development in hilly areas and change of weather patterns, this year alone Malaysia experienced four major landslides which include the Kampung Pasir landslide, Simpang Pulai-Lojing mudslide and embankment failure in Sabah.

He said the government viewed the incidents seriously and the slope engineering division had been given the responsibility to manage and reduce slope failures and carry out a detailed risk assessment study in areas that are considered high risk.

"From the past landslide occurences, areas such as Ampang -- Hulu Kelang hilly areas, Penang Island and Cameron Highlands -- are considered to be high risk. Developments in these areas have to be thoroughly studied, monitored and properly implemented," he said.

Speaking at a press conference later, Samy Vellu said there are more than 1,000 dangerous slopes nationwide.

"Once this master plan is out, we will amend the relevant Acts to ensure all development on hills and slopes comply with provisions in the master plan.

"The amendments will allow the government to take legal action against developers who flout the master plan.

"Nevertheless, it must be stressed that the Works Ministry alone cannot save our slopes, we need help from other agencies, especially local authorities," he said.

Samy Vellu said local governments in approving development plans for hills should refer to the Public Works Department to ensure the work was carried out safely.

"If they continue to approve development plans on hill tops, we will not be able to stop landslides. They should refer the development plans to us before granting approval," he said.

On the Kampung Pasir landslide in Hulu Klang two months ago, Samy Vellu said the final report on the mishap would be ready in a month.

"I will then table the report to the cabinet and only after that I can announce details of the incident," he added.

Four people died in the landslide after the retaining wall on the hillslope above their longhouse collapsed. Four rows of longhouses were destroyed in the mishap near Taman Zoo View in Hulu Klang on May 31.

-- BERNAMA