Landslide risk management in Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia is located in a tropical region where rainfall is abundant. Due to this condition, Malaysia experiences frequent flooding and landslides. The Slope Engineering Branch of the Public Works Department of Malaysia is given the task by the Malaysian Government to monitor and enhance slope safety. Losses due to landslides in Malaysia are estimated to be more than USD 1 billion since 1973. One of the first thing carried out by the Slope Engineering Branch after its establishment in 2004 is the drafting of a National Slope Master Plan (NSMP) to pave the way for enhancement of slope management. The goal of the NSMP is to reduce risks and losses due to landslides. There are ten components in the NSMP. The NSMP laid out strategies and action plans required to better manage the slopes in Malaysia. Some of the action plans that have been translated to practice include but not limited to the following activities: inventorizing slopes; producing hazard and risk maps; carrying out public awareness and education programs; and forming committees among agencies to formulate effective slope mitigation policies and cooperation. The paper describes the actions taken by the Public Works Department to mitigate landslides in Malaysia. © 2013 WIT Press.