|
Competent engineers needed
18/12/2008 The Malay Mail
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) extends its deepest condolence
to those families who have lost their loved ones as a result of the
landslide at Bukit Antarabangsa. IEM is sad that so many have been affected
by this massive landslide.
It is understood that, after search and rescue efforts have been concluded,
a thorough investigation into the causes of the landslide will be conducted
by technical experts, in particular, engineers among others. IEM is certain
that the real causes leading to the failure would be determined.
Before the investigation is concluded, it is inappropriate to speculate on
the causes of failure as premature statements can lead to confusion. In
general, development on hill sites like the one in Bukit Antarabangsa
involves principally four key parties, i.e. local authorities, planners,
engineers and developers; and all the parties must play their part to ensure
safe hill site development.
The local authorities have a duty to enforce the required level of safety by
way of regulations in relation to the planning, design, construction and
maintenance of residential and commercial buildings on hill sites. It is
known that these authorities are not well staffed by engineers and rely on
other agencies like JKR, DID, Ikram, etc. to provide advice.
However, due to the nature of these consultations, it is foreseeable that
third party engineers, who may not be well versed with the given project,
may not take a holistic approach in the implementation of their design,
construction and maintenance as regards to hill site development. Moreover,
available guidelines are varied across the country and are thus
inconsistent.
A harmonised regulatory framework is required to facilitate safe hill site
development. Engineers who are involved in such high risk and difficult
development must be carefully selected, with proven track record to carry
out the works at a high level of expertise. Due diligence report is of the
utmost importance because of the complex nature of hill site development.
Even steep hill sites can be built to a satisfactory level of safety
required by the authorities, provided only competent engineers are
engaged.The above mentioned parties have to find a collective way to improve
the level of public safety to mitigate the current unsatisfactory situation.
One such way would be to study and model the systems used successfully by
other countries to develop hill sites. Hong Kong is a country where a
relatively successful system has been implemented. Malaysia needs to develop
her own comprehensive slope safety system, which should include master
planning, reviewing and improving regulatory frameworks, upgrading
substandard and ageing hillslopes, regular maintenance of slopes and
involving the public in the awareness and prevention of hillslope failures.
IEM agrees that all existing hill site projects be reviewed. Projects on
Class 3 slopes (above 25 degrees of inclination), which have not commenced,
should not be approved until a safe system of planning, design, construction
and regulatory control of hill site development is enforced.
In addition, all completed developments on hill sites should be
systematically assessed, maintained or enhanced to ensure safety.
The IEM is ready to assist the authorities in whatever way required so that
future landslides will be minimised and mitigated.
The Secretariat
Institution of Engineers Malaysia |
