‘Avoid danger zones and check weather forecasts’

PETALING JAYA: Much travelling is expected with the coming school holidays and festive season, but people should avoid roads that have been identified as landslide hotspots, says the Fire and Rescue Department.

Its operations director Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said visibility would be low and the risk of landslides in these areas would be higher.

“If you see any early soil movement, drive away from the location immediately.

“Call the authorities immediately if you witness any landslides and avoid passing through locations that show signs of further erosion,” he told The Star.

The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) advised road users to plan their journey by checking the Works Department (JKR) portal at bencanaalam.jkr.gov.my for high-risk locations and to get real-time updates on any landslides and affected roads.

The portal also provides information on alternative routes in case of disruptions.

JKR’S disaster management office is also reachable via 03-2610 7727.

Nadma advised the public to check the weather forecast before starting their journey.

The Mineral and Geoscience Department Malaysia has identified 31 locations nationwide as landslide hotspots.

These include the Kuala Lumpurkarak Highway that connects the west coast and east coast of the peninsula.

Road users should ensure their vehicles are in good condition before starting their journey, said Radzimah Mohd Radzi, senior general manager of Anih Bhd, the concessionaire of the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1).

She advised the public to also check the Meteorological Department for weather advisories and Anih’s official Facebook page for hourly updates on road conditions.

They should also enter the highway according to travel time advisory options provided during peak travel periods, she said when contacted.

In case of an emergency, users should immediately call the Malaysian Highway Authority hotline at 1800-88-7752 or LPT1 at 1-700-818-700.

“Ensure you wait for help away from the main road and use the guardrail to protect yourself from traffic if needed,” Radzimah said.

Other areas that have been identified as landslides hotspots include those in Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill), Selangor (Bukit Antarabangsa-hulu Langat, Kuala Kubu Bharu), Kedah (Gunung Jerai, Baling), and Penang (Tanjung Bungah, Paya Terubong).