KUALA LUMPUR – The development of slope hazards and risk maps for state roads, similar to the ones on federal roads, could reduce the risks of incidents identical to the Batang Kali landslide from recurring in the future.
The Landslide Working Group Committee, which was tasked to conduct the investigation of the landslide incident, also recommended consistent regular inspections and maintenance of road assets.
In addition, the committee also suggested the extension of the National Slope Master Plan, which was supposed to end this year, by at least another decade.
“The National Slope Master Plan (2009-2023) should be extended its implementation for the next 15 years,”
“(This is) to enhance an effective slope management plan in reducing risks, as well as losses of property and lives due to multiple hazards and ongoing climate change,” the committee said in the final Batang Kali landslide investigation report which was released to the public, today.
Meanwhile, the committee also proposed developing Big Data Analytics via advanced artificial intelligence technology systems to comprehensively manage slope data, while integrating it at all stakeholder levels to inculcate informed decision-making.
Moving forward, it also mooted enforcing guidelines for camping and recreational sites, while empowering its Slope Engineering Branch personnel in leading all landslide incident investigations.
While anthropogenic (human-driven) activities could be a catalyst in affecting slope stability, it disclaimed that it was a major factor in the incident as it cannot be conclusively proven.
Instead, the committee reiterated that the landslide was primarily a natural disaster that was potentially influenced by rainfall and other geological factors.
It explained that the landslide was caused in two stages, the first being a toe rotational slide failure – due to the high water saturation and soil consistency exceeding the liquid limit at a private lot’s slope foot.
Debris flow was the second, where soil, rocks, and trees, from the preceding landslide mass accumulated at the failed slope’s toe, which it said formed an artificial temporary dam.
With water flows and existing river water accumulating, the temporary dam broke after about 20 minutes, covering the Batang Kali campsite.
The Batang Kali landslide occurred at Father’s Organic Farm on December 16 last year. It resulted in 92 victims, 31 of whom passed away.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said rainfall events throughout the month were the main factor of the landslide.
He said it came from the combination of “major cumulative rainfall” for five days before the landslide, and “antecedent rainfall” 30 days prior.
Meanwhile, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said the “Camping Site Planning Guidelines” are ready, and will be distributed to local authorities nationwide soon.
Scoop also spoke to the area’s local traders facing business challenges, as Jalan Batang Kali-Genting Highlands (Route 66) remained partially closed since last December. – October 16, 2023