Peka: Review 'outdated' data on hill, slope maintenance

 

The government should carry out a thorough study of the country’s ecological system instead of relying on “outdated” data to gauge the safety of a place.

Environmental group Association for the Protection of Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka) president Damien Thanam said although old data have shown that the country’s forests are capable of preventing risks of floods and other disasters, such findings may no longer apply as the country experiences extreme weather changes due to climate change.

“We are still using the same data, methods, and guidelines for the last 65 years to maintain slopes and hillsides. A new study should be conducted to find a technique that can be used for the current scenario.

“There have been slight changes (in the methods used) but we still cannot overcome the rapid effects of extreme weather changes due to global warming. What’s happening now shows that we still cannot figure out where a landslide or flood could happen,” he was quoted telling Utusan Malaysia.

The country was recently shocked by a landslide at the Father’s Organic Farm camping site in Gohtong Jaya, which killed 30 people. One victim is still unaccounted for.

Damien further said the government should be open to the possibility of spending an unspecified amount of money on the study, given that it would last for decades to come.

Meanwhile, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) field officer Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman said all parties should work together to prevent the recurrence of the Batang Kali landslide.

“For instance, if a place can only be used as an organic farm, the owner should not turn it into a campsite.

“The authorities should know what’s happening at the said locations and ensure individuals do not erect commercial buildings where they should not,” he told the Malay daily. - Mkini