A total of 1,045 slopes in the ‘very dangerous’ category have been identified along Jalan Persekutuan in Peninsular Malaysia.
Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said his side is actively monitoring them to avoid any untoward incident, especially during the monsoon season.
“During the monsoon season, we make preparations and mobilize monitoring, not only with the Public Works Department (JKR) but also concessions.
“If there are signs on the slopes, the first step will be to install canvas and so on to prevent the collapse.
“And if there is a collapse, there is already a standard operating procedure (SOP) that we have prepared to ensure the safety of road users and outline the immediate action to clear the area,” he said.
He said this during the press conference of the East Zone FTRoadpedia 3.0 Tour programme at the Perak Public Works Department (JKR) Headquarters on Saturday.
He said the allocation for slope maintenance and repair works throughout Malaysia involved a total cost of RM220 million.
“For the slopes in the peninsula it is RM160 million, while in Sabah and Sarawak it is RM40 million and we have an additional RM20 million. So the total amount is RM220 million.
“Even if it is not enough, we will implement it based on whatever allocation we get,” he added.
He also touched on the issue of land clearing.
“If we do not manage the whole, especially in the highland development area, then it will expose risks to road users and not just to the environment.
“Misuse of land by illegal agriculture, for example, can reveal dangers,” he added.
He said the third day of East Zone FTRoadpedia 3.0 Tour continued with a survey on Jalan Simpang Pulai – Blue Valley, which is the route to the tourist location, Cameron Highlands.
By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
