KUALA LUMPUR – A real-time early warning system (EWS) will be installed at four high-risk slopes by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) by April.
MPAJ head of engineering Zafrul Fazry Mohd Fauzi said sensors to detect ground movement, estimated to cost RM1 million per set, will be placed at Taman Mega Jaya, Taman Seraya, Jalan Wangsa 1 of Taman Kelab Ukay, and Taman Bukit Jaya.
“We are still in the process of procuring the EWS devices and believe they will be installed in the next three months,” he told The Vibes after briefing the stakeholders on the Slope management action plan at the MPAJ auditorium here today.
Given the long history of landslides and tragedies involving lives and properties over the years, Zafrul stated that the council was serious about taking precautionary measures.
“Other than the installations, stabilisation works on the four high-risk slopes at Ukay Heights (two locations), Kg Tasek Permai, and Bukit Antarabangsa, are also required and will cost RM5.9 million,” he said.
He said the council has been conducting checks at 356 slopes under its jurisdiction, particularly at areas deemed hazardous and high-risk.
“116 slopes are categorised as dangerous, while 47 others are less dangerous.”
He pointed out that the slopes involve four different parties – individuals, property developers, local authorities, and the government.
“I am hoping for cooperation, especially from individual owners or developers, to be proactive and responsible, and to collaborate with us to monitor and maintain the slopes, which are categorised as being very dangerous or less dangerous.
“Though we have served them notices, some have yet to take any action. Please do not wait any further until we have to enforce stricter action,” Zafrul lamented.
It is learnt that MPAJ is also taking a drastic approach by clearing all the trees on the 61 high-risk slopes to reduce the load on the ground and deter soil movement before it leads to landslides.
He also said the cost to cut all the trees down and for pruning works is estimated at RM7.3 million.
“It will be borne by the state government,” he said, adding that the clearing exercise will be initiated in April.
“It is not easy to manage slopes. The trees will normally grow back a year after they are cut down. We have to carry out periodical maintenance, estimated to cost RM1.5 million annually,” he said.
“The total estimated cost for slope work is RM18.7 million,” he said. – The Vibes, January 23, 2023
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