KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to conduct annual safety audits in areas prone to landslides and other natural disasters.
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the safety audits were vital to identify risk factors and recommend preventive measures for the authorities to implement.
Commenting on the landslide at Lestari Perdana in Seri Kembangan here on Tuesday evening which saw five vehicles damaged, he described the incident as "a disaster waiting to happen" and urged the authorities to launch an in-depth probe.
"Five years ago, there was a similar incident, and the authorities then should have taken serious note and done the necessary to ensure it does not happen again.
"In the recent incident that was captured on social media, five cars were swallowed up and 17 shops nearby ordered to be closed while the damage was being assessed.
"It has been reported that repair work in Jalan LP1A/1 will cost about RM5 million.
"This is a serious matter. The authorities must take all remedial measures to ensure it does not repeat in the future."
He said with the changing weather conditions due to global climate change, the incident should be taken seriously.
Lee also questioned whether the developer of Lestari Perdana, the civil engineering consultant and the local authorities should be held accountable for poor supervision during construction.
"There must be no compromise when it comes to public safety. We need to build a safety culture to protect lives and property," he said.