PETALING JAYA: Some 75 incidents of collapsed slopes were recorded across federal and state roads since the northeast monsoon began, says the Works Ministry.
The ministry said there were also five incidents of roads collapsing and two incidents of roads sinking from last November until Jan 23.
Among the states most affected were Johor, Kelantan and Pahang.
The ministry added that there were slope hotspots categorised as “very high and high hazard” along 13 federal roads.
They were FT185-Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley-Gua Musang; FT102-Jalan Pos Betau-Lembah Bertam; FT148-Jalan Gap Baru-Fraser’s Hill; FT59-Jalan Tapah-Cameron Highlands; FT55-Jalan Kuala Kubu Baru-Jalan Gap-Teranum; FT56-Jalan Gap-Bukit Fraser; and FT68-Jalan Kuala Lumpur-Bentong (Jalan Bentong Lama).
They also include FT36-Jalan Aring 8-Kenyir-Kuala Jeneris; FT86-Jalan Seremban-Kuala Kelawang-Simpang Pertang; FT220-Jalan Bayan Lepas-Pekan Air Hitam; FT4-Jalan Lunas-Kupang-Gerik-Jeli-Machang-Pasir Putih; and FT8-Jalan Bentong-Gua Musang-Kuala Krai.
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“The ministry through the Public Works Department (JKR) is prepared for any eventuality during the northeast monsoon.
“All state and district offices nationwide have been ordered to be on standby and make the necessary preparations in terms of manpower and logistics,” it said in a statement.
It added that hotspots along roads were identified through the ministry’s Slope Risk and Danger Maps, with patrols prioritised there.
“JKR has also identified roads frequently affected by floods and have set up signs to indicate water levels.
“If the water levels exceed the dangerous mark, the roads will be closed to all vehicles for safety,” the ministry said.
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In the event of slope or road collapse, it said a traffic management plan would be prepared within an hour with alternative roads.
Affected slopes will be covered with tarpaulin sheets before repairs are carried out.
The ministry said it was also ready to face incidents of slope or road collapse by clearing debris immediately.
“The Works Ministry is committed to ensuring damaged assets and infrastructure are repaired promptly to ensure the public’s safety.
“The public are advised to plan their routes carefully in case they have to travel through areas with a risk of disasters,” it said.
Further information on any disaster-related incidents can be found on bencanaalam.jkr.gov.my or its social media pages.
