The Mineral and Geoscience Department stated that Malaysia has 254 locations at risk of landslides, categorized into high, medium, and low-risk classifications. Sabah has the highest number of critical slopes at 36, followed by Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perak, Sarawak, and Selangor. Other states with critical slopes include Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Melaka, Perlis, and Kuala Lumpur. The department has been monitoring these locations and providing reports to local authorities and responder agencies in case of any geological disasters.
Director-general Datuk Zamri Ramli revealed that mitigation works have been completed at 37 of the 254 locations, with 15 currently undergoing mitigation measures. An additional 202 locations are being monitored for further action. Furthermore, 31 locations were identified as landslide hotspots, including areas along several highways and in specific regions within Sabah and Sarawak.
In addition to these measures, the department has mapped seven forest ecoparks in 2023 that could potentially experience debris flows. The final report of the Geological Disasters Management Map for these locations, alongside suggested mitigation measures and early warning systems for debris flows, has been submitted to relevant stakeholders for preparedness.
Community-based disaster risk management programs have also been carried out at four landslide hotspots, and Early Warning Systems (EWS) and rain gauges have been established across various locations. Landslide threat maps have been produced for several areas, and the department has a Geological Disaster Response Team prepared for any eventuality. The team has also been activated in all states and will update rescue teams on the status of any geological disaster.
Zamri advised those living in sloped areas or locations with a history of landslides to pay attention to their surroundings and contact the Minerals and Geoscience Department or local authorities for further information or assistance. He also emphasized the importance of being aware of small movements on slopes, cracks in the ground, walls, pillars, or roads.
The Star previously ran an exclusive article headlined “Look out for signs of landslides, those in hotspots warned” quoting the Minerals and Geoscience Department on the same issue.
