HILLSIDE PROJECTS: NOW WHAT?
‘Developers should take into account weather conditions’
ON the one hand, the PM says hillside projects should be scrutinised for threats to the environment and human safety. On the other hand, the Penang CM says the projects should continue and that the authorities only need to make sure professionals are at the sites to see to it that ‘required standards’ are met.
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DEVELOPMENT projects, particularly those on hillside or mountain slopes, should be studied to ensure that they do not damage the environment and affect safety, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Dr Mahathir yesterday said developers of these projects should take into account weather conditions.
“The trees that grow in the jungles should be taken care of as they can stabilise the land,” he said after handing over keys to new houses to disaster victims in Kampung Kuala Teriang here.
He said the landslide incidents in Penang and other disasters showed that the country was not exempted from catastrophes.
“They have happened in other countries and we must learn from their experience.”
Dr Mahathir expressed his appreciation at people’s willingness to help the disaster victims in Kampung Kuala Teriang.
“I am glad many came to help the victims.”
Ayer Hangat assemblyman Juhari Bulat said 46 houses, which were destroyed by the storm and floods on Aug 23, were rebuilt.
Besides government initiatives through Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and the Langkawi District Office’s Disaster Fund, he said, the rebuilding of the houses was also assisted by private companies.
“Many parties, including hotels, have provided assistance, including preparing food for the victims,” he said. Bernama