Perak Intensifies Monitoring Of High-Risk Slopes Ahead Of Monsoon Season

BATU GAJAH, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Perak government has intensified monitoring of high-risk slopes along the Gerik-Jeli and Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley routes in anticipation of the northeast monsoon, expected to begin this month and last until March next year.

State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the state Public Works Department (JKR) has been carrying out monitoring activities since last month to ensure the safety of road users, especially along the two routes.

“So far, there have been no reports of incidents along both routes, only existing damages that JKR is currently repairing.

“However, integrated monitoring will continue, particularly involving soil movement or slope cracks,” he told a press conference after representing the Perak Menteri Besar at the Academy in Industry’s 7th Convocation Ceremony at the KTM Academy here today.

On Oct 14, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said JKR would issue early warning to state and district JKR offices based on three flood risk levels (alert, warning or danger), as part of preparatory measures for the monsoon season.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Nizar said the state Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has also been instructed to continuously monitor river water levels in several districts and ensure proper maintenance of the drainage system and levees.

“We are concerned that if maintenance is not carried out properly, not only flood-prone areas, but also locations that have never experienced disasters could be impacted, as seen recently in Kamunting (Taiping),” he said.

He added that leave for JKR and DID staff may be frozen in the event of a serious disaster that could affect public safety and order.

-- BERNAMA