By: Aida Aziz
Ipoh, Perak – The regions of Manjoi, Lahat, and Kampar are grappling with recurring land subsidence issues, particularly within the Kinta district and, more broadly, the state of Perak.
According to Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, Chairman of the State Committee on Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Public Transportation, this concern arises from data on sinkholes and land subsidence compiled by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG).
“These areas frequently face land subsidence problems, all of which are underlain by Kinta limestone and are former mines repurposed for development,” stated Mohammad Nizar.
He revealed that the monitoring records indicate frequent occurrences of land subsidence in Kampung Baru Ampang and Chemor, with ongoing surveillance in place.
Additionally, incidents of land subsidence in back lanes, particularly in the residential area of Taman Lapangan Raya on Jalan Lapangan Raya 2, have been noted.
Responding to oral questions during the 15th State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri) session at the Perak Darul Ridzuan building on Wednesday, Mohammad Nizar detailed various measures taken to address land subsidence issues, especially in residential areas.
He explained that the government, through local authorities (PBT), is implementing the One-Stop Centre (OSC) system. Under this system, every development application undergoes review by relevant agencies before approval, especially housing schemes.
“In the context of the JMG, each application must be accompanied by a land investigation report, a site report to be reviewed for suitability before development proposals are approved,” he stated.
Mohammad Nizar emphasized that the JMG provides technical advisory services based on reports submitted by the relevant developers. For instance, the Ipoh City Council and Kampar District Council have mandated subsurface analysis or geophysical studies to be conducted before housing schemes are advanced.
Addressing land subsidence occurring in road reserves involving depressions or sinkholes, repair work will be carried out through the Puncak Emas concessionaire.
He noted that if subsidence or damage occurs within residential buildings in housing areas, it is the responsibility of the property owner to undertake repair works.
