KUALA LUMPUR: The installation of early warning systems such as the comprehensive rain gauge, especially in seven landslide-prone areas, is expected to be completed by year end, said the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Ministry.
This was following the landslide tragedy at Blue Valley, Cameron Highlands in Pahang on Jan 26 which claimed the lives of five people.
"The ministry, through the Mineral and Geoscience Department, has urged municipal councils to take into account input from the Landslide Hazard and Risk Mapping in development planning and supervision of farming activities on slopes.
"Preliminary investigation by the department revealed the cause of the incident to be continuous rain starting from 3pm on Jan 24, with cumulative daily rain reaching 126mm on Jan 25 (according to publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my)," said the ministry in a statement today.
The continuous rain, it said, had caused the natural slopes with granite base of over 25 degree gradient to collapse.
It said the department would from time to time expand and update maps related to National Slope Risk Map Project in channelling information on areas with landslide potentials to stakeholders.
"The NRES is committed to the research activities and latest high-technology usage in identifying and monitoring geological disaster hotspots.
"The ministry is also willing to work with the local governments and technical agencies to expand the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management programme to surrounding residents to enhance awareness and preparedness on landslides."