KUALA LUMPUR – The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) is offering its technical assistance and opinion in an investigation on the fatal landslide at Batang Kali, which has thus far taken at least 24 lives.
In a statement, it said that a thorough investigation needs to be carried out to determine the cause or causes of the landslide, and to learn lessons to mitigate similar landslides in the future.
Its president Norlida Buniyamin said investigations into the cause should preferably be led by competent engineers in the field, with the assistance of other relevant professionals or technologists like surveyors, geologists, remote sensing experts, and the like.
She added that IEM had in 2002 issued a position paper on hill-site development.
This was further updated in 2009 and 2011 with a more comprehensive list of recommendations prepared to permit the identification and mitigation of circumstances that could lead to potential landslides hazards in the country.
“Besides the campsite, it can be seen that there are also manmade terraces and agricultural activities on the slope terrains at or nearby the landslide area,” she said.
“There is an urgent need to thoroughly review the existing policies and procedures by the local authorities which are probably available, but most importantly is to ensure proper implementation, compliance and enforcement of these policies and procedures in mitigating the risk of landslide on land use activities (inclusive of agriculture, camping, etc.) on slope terrain.”
In a statement today, she conveyed IEM’s condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims.
Norlida also shared IEM’s concerns with the media speculating on the “causes” of the landslide, which can confuse the public.
“Statements on its causation appearing in the media thus far are premature, as they do not appear founded on engineering science, the mechanics of soils, or characteristics specific to the distressed ground,” she said.
“So, they should be treated as purely speculative in nature and obfuscating to the public,” she added.
As of late afternoon today, a total of 24 victims had been confirmed dead, while the search is ongoing for nine people who are still missing.
A total of 94 victims were recorded to have been staying at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite when a gigantic torrent of earth cascaded from the slope along the stretch of the Batang Kali-Gohtong Jaya road above.
Of these, 61 people have been rescued.
Many of the victims were staff and students of SJK(C) Mun Choong on an overnight nature outing. – The Vibes, December 18, 2022
