PUTRAJAYA needs to relook its hillside development laws in light of the Batang Kali landslide and the impact of climate change on the country, environmentalist group Peka said.

Its president Damien Thanam Divean said the government needs to work with qualified bodies like universities to perform a comprehensive study on laws regulating development on hill areas throughout the country,

For now, he said, the government should bar or suspend hillside developments until it knows the capacity of the natural terrain and what measures need to be taken.

“The government is now lacking in terms of knowledge to find out which locations are at possible risk for landslides throughout the country.

“A (chance to perform a) proper in-depth study (on risky areas) should be given to qualified bodies such as universities,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Damien said the results of the study should then be made public so it can be scrutinised by professionals.

Damien said the main thrust of the study is to find out the impact of climate change and extreme weather on hill slopes.

“Because of climate change, we don’t know the behaviour or holding capacity of the ecology on slopes, mountain terrain and hills,” he said.

He also said that the authorities should start checking on existing recreational areas as activities are ongoing, which could put visitors and tourists at risk.

“We thank the government for putting a blanket ban on camping and recreational activities in forested areas.

“The authorities should also shut down recreational activities that are close to high-risk areas such as camping and hiking sites, mountain trails, ATV (all-terrain vehicle) and other tracks.”

On Friday morning, tragedy struck when 24 people died in a landslide at a campsite in Batang Kali, with nine still missing.

So far, the authorities have rescued 54 people, seven with injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Based on the operator’s registration records, there were 94 people at the campsite before the landslide struck.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said the chances of finding more survivors of the Batang Kali landslide are slim.

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the landslide was due to slope failure.

Nik Nazmi also advised the public to be mindful when they go to high-risk areas during the rainy season.

On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called for all campgrounds and recreational areas near highlands and rivers across the country to be vacated immediately. – December 18, 2022.