YAN – Areas identified as being at high risk of geological disasters, especially debris flow, will be given priority for the installation of Early Warning Systems (EWS), said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
He said the Minerals and Geoscience Department had information on the risky locations, but these could not be disclosed at this time.
“According to our experts, there may be an area at risk and needs to be given priority. We cannot wait until a disaster strikes before taking action,” he told reporters after attending the EWS Debris Flow Geological Disaster awareness programme with the Jerai Geopark community here today.
He said the EWS that was installed at Titi Hayun here following a debris flow disaster in August last year was a pilot project that would be used as a national benchmark and model for reducing the risk of such disasters.
The system will be installed in other locations based on plans being drawn up by the ministry and the department, he said.
Takiyuddin said the department would also identify new development projects including infrastructure projects in high-risk areas.
“(For example) in Sabah, there was a development project done in a high-risk area (but) the construction of the bridge had to be stopped. We do not want incidents or disasters to occur after 10 years of project completion,” he said. – Bernama, June 26, 2022
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