Headline :24-hour watch on critical slopes

NST
Date :08/08/2005
Page No :16
Byline : By R.S. Kamini
Type: Prime News

KUALA LUMPUR, Sun. - Critical hill slopes will be under 24-hour surveillance with the start of the wet season.

The Works Ministry has directed Public Works Department district engineers to monitor the 100 slopes identified as prone to soil erosion and landslides.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the slopes would be monitored until February when a RM159 million early-warning system is installed."

District engineers must check slopes under their jurisdiction whenever it rains for more than an hour to alert motorists on the possibility of landslides."

The slopes are located along the Simpang Pulai-Lojing-Cameron Highlands road and the Tamparuli-Sandakan road.Others include the road to Fraser's Hill, Genting Highlands, Gunung Raya (Langkawi) and Hulu Klang.

The system to detect ground movements is being tested at the Simpang Pulai-Lojing-Cameron Highlands route.

"Once the system is installed, the slightest earth movement will send a signal to the PWD headquarters within two to three seconds."

District personnel would then be dispatched to the slope to check the need for remedial work and warn motorists of road closure."

Samy Vellu was speaking after opening the 38th general assembly of the Tamil Bell Youth Club Council at Wisma Integriti, near here.

More than 400 delegates from across the country met to discuss long-standing issues involving Indians, including education, employment and the economy.

Club council president P. Ponniah said it was planning to set up a fund to help children of less fortunate members further their studies.

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