SLOPE DEPT TO CARRY OUT FORENSIC ENGINEERING STUDY IN BUKIT ANTARABANGSA

From Zulkefli Salleh

MECCA, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- The Slope Maintenance Department has been
directed to carry out an engineering forensic study at the landslide area in
Bukit Antarabangsa, said Works Minister Mohd Zin Mohamed.

"Maybe the data collected will be able to give us the correct picture of
the area. If the rain persists, it would further aggravate the condition in the
area.

"The study will give an initial picture of the situation from the
geotechnical report," he told reporters here Tuesday.

Mohd Zin said he was informed that Bukit Antarabangsa was exposed to
landslides and the department was monitoring the situation.

"All quarters have to be extremely cautious and heed the geotechnical
experts' advice.

"The prime minister's call for development in hilly areas to be stopped
was appropriate and timely in the light of the present circumstances," he
said.

On the condition of highways in hilly areas, he said Projek Lebuh Raya
Utara Selatan (PLUS) (North-South Expressway) kept the highways under aerial
surveillance by helicopters.

"This is to ensure the water flow (to the catchment areas) would not
pose
any threat to soil stability," he said.

He said the highways were also being monitored by the Malaysian Highways
Authority during the Monsoon season.

-- BERNAMA