By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 18 — The state government is considering a phased approach to releasing the slope hazard and risk mapping plan (PBRC) to the public rather than making the information widely available, following feedback it has received.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Izham Hashim said the cautious release of the mapping aims to prevent land values in affected areas from plummeting while still ensuring public safety.
“This is a matter that has continued discussions, as some disagree with publishing the plan widely to the public as there would be speculation on land valuation.
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State executive councillor for infrastructure and public amenities Izham Hashim speaking during the Selangor Legislative Assembly sitting in Shah Alam, on November 10, 2020. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
“But the state government is prioritising public safety and will continue to provide warnings to residents in high-risk areas,” he told the State Legislative Assembly today.
In response to an additional question posed by Hulu Kelang state assemblymen Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Izham said the state government is balancing the need for transparency with the potential economic impact that such data might have on landowners in identified high-risk zones.
Azmin had questioned whether the state government would make the PBRC available to the public and if it would place high-end surveying equipment on high-risk slopes as an early warning and prevention method.
Meanwhile, Izham said the state government will continue to provide intervention and maintenance in high-risk areas to reduce the risk of landslides.
However, placing costly surveying equipment like robotic total stations on over 400 high-risk slopes identified by the state and local authorities is not feasible.
“Most landslides occur without clear warning signs. When we visited Hong Kong, their authorities reported similar challenges,” he said.
Izham also cited the legal constraints where the state has no provisions allowing intervention on private lands unless authorised.
“We face issues entering private land for intervention purposes, as there is no legal provision enabling us to do so,” he said.
