THE government is relying on old and perhaps outdated data to gauge the safety of a place when the changes in weather pattern and climate changes have altered the ecological system, said an environmental group today. 

Association for the Protection of Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka), said the government must carry out a thorough study of the country’s ecological system. 

Peka president Damien Thanam said while old data shows that the country’s forests are capable of preventing risks of floods and other disasters, such findings may no longer apply in the current condition. 

“We are still using the same data, methods, and guidelines for the last 65 years to maintain slopes and hillsides. A new study should be conducted to find a technique that can be used for the current scenario. 

“There have been slight changes (in the methods used) but we still cannot overcome the rapid effects of extreme weather changes due to global warming. 

“What’s happening now shows that we still cannot figure out where a landslide or flood could happen,” he was quoted as saying in Utusan Malaysia. 

Damien also said the government should be open to the possibility of spending an unspecified amount of money on the study, given it would last for decades to come. 

Recently, a landslide at a campsite near Genting Highlands killed 30 people. One victim is still unaccounted for. – December 24, 2022.