KKR Steps Up Monitoring Of Slopes In View Of Northeast Monsoon

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The Works Ministry (KKR), through the Public Works Department (JKR), will closely monitor slopes identified as high-risk nationwide in preparation for the Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to begin on Nov 5 and continue until March next year.

Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the monitoring exercise is crucial, as between five and seven episodes of heavy rainfall are forecast during the period.

He said JKR has so far installed 73 rain gauge stations, three Robotic Total Stations (RTS), and one Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) unit to monitor high-risk slopes.

“Based on data obtained from the Early Warning System, the Slope Engineering Branch of JKR Malaysia will issue early alerts to district and state JKR offices according to the risk level — alert, warning, or danger.

“Swift action, coordination, and preparedness are shared responsibilities to safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure,” he said at the monthly assembly of the ministry here today.

Also present were Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Works Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, Nanta expressed appreciation for the allocation provided to the ministry under the MADANI Budget 2026, describing it as a reflection of the government’s confidence in the ministry’s role as a key facilitator of national development.

He said despite fiscal challenges and the need for subsidy restructuring, the government remains committed to strengthening essential public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, public buildings, and slope safety.

However, he acknowledged that weaknesses still exist in project implementation under the ministry, as highlighted in the Auditor-General’s Report No. 3/2025, which cited project delays, non-compliance with specifications, and inadequate supervision.

“I will not sweep these matters under the carpet. Such findings are not punishments, but a reflection of the integrity of our national oversight institutions.

“However, if we continue to repeat the same mistakes, it is no longer a system weakness — it becomes a human failure,” he said, stressing that corrective measures must be carried out comprehensively and responsibly.

On another note, Nanta commended the construction sector’s performance throughout the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), which recorded nearly 23,000 projects worth over RM42 billion nationwide.

He added that the challenges in the first phase of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) would require the ministry to be proactive, efficient, data-driven, and accountable in every action.

“The start of 13MP will be a true test of KKR’s ability to remain relevant and future-ready while balancing social responsibility with the nation’s fiscal constraints. We must be realistic — every ringgit allocated must deliver maximum impact,” he said.

-- BERNAMA