Malaysia has mapped nearly 3,000 sq km of landslide-prone zones, including Cameron Highlands, to guide safer development and early warning systems
KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 3,000 square kilometres of landslide-prone areas nationwide have been mapped to strengthen slope management.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the mapping of some 2,966km² was conducted by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia.
He told the Dewan Rakyat the work covered highland areas with active agricultural activities.
The mapped areas include Cameron Highlands, covering 475km², and Kundasang, spanning 370km².
“The mapping results have been used to prepare the Slope Risk and Hazard Map (PBRC), which is shared with agencies such as PlanMalaysia and the Agriculture Department to support safer and more organised and sustainable land-use planning,” he said.
He said the results serve as a strategic reference for planning early prevention measures and slope maintenance.
They are also used for determining sites for the installation of landslide early warning systems.
Arthur was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man on proposed comprehensive mapping of monoculture plantations by gradient.
The question sought to assess mudslide and landslide risks to safeguard critical catchment areas, drawing lessons from a West Sumatra tragedy.