PETALING JAYA: Real-time monitoring is being done on highrisk slopes along federal roads nationwide, says the Works Ministry.

The ministry said this allows for early detection of changes in slope stability, with specialised monitoring equipment installed there.

In an email reply to The Star, the ministry said the Integrated Slope Management System and Landslide Early Warning Systems are utilised by the Public Works Department (JKR) to oversee these slopes.

“Data from the site can be sent directly to the control centre, enabling swift action if there are indications of slope failure.

“Specialised equipment such as sensors and inclinometers, among others, are installed at high-risk slopes, providing precise and relevant data on land and slope stability,” it said.

“The collected data also ensures proper mitigation steps are taken to reduce the chances of landslides in risky locations.”

In addition to real-time monitoring, JKR district and state offices conduct regular patrols, inspections and monitoring to identify early signs of potential landslides.

“JKR district offices will take immediate action such as setting up road diversions or closures if early signs of slope instability are detected. This serves as a safety precaution to prevent vehicles from passing through.”

The ministry said JKR has also developed a Slope Hazard and Risk Map with 34,714 slopes nationwide in its inventory.

Of the number, 26,722 slopes were along federal roads in the peninsula followed by 4,178 in Sabah, 3,633 in Sarawak and 181 in Labuan.

These locations are identified through airborne data acquisition and field data collection.

“Based on the latest figures, some 1,577 slopes were categorised as very high risk by JKR,” it said, adding that there are also 49 rain monitoring stations nationwide with 37 in the peninsula, nine in Sabah and three in Sarawak.

“These stations record rainfall data and will issue a warning alert once it reaches the threshold value for the said location.

“JKR’S Slope Engineering Branch will then issue subsequent alerts to its district and state offices based on the rainfall figures and slope movement data observed at risky slopes,” it said.

Currently, three robotic total stations and one global navigation satellite system have also been installed at Sections 44 and 46 along Route FT185 Jalan Simpang Pulai-lojing-gua Musang to monitor slope movement in that area, said the ministry.