BANGI: The Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Ministry is awaiting a detailed study and investigation report on the deadly landslide that took place yesterday at three campsites at Jalan Batang Kali-Genting in Hulu Selangor.
Its minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said he believed that the ministry will receive the report soon, after which it will be brought to the cabinet for further action.
"I visited the location yesterday and there had been no rain in the area for the past few days. Despite that, when the landslide occurred, water was gushing.
"However, it is too early form any speculation. The study is ongoing. We will get the report soon and the details will be shared later," he said.
Nik Nazmi was speaking at the 'Program Hari Denai Alam: Melestarikan Alam 2022, Denai Alur Ilmu' event held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia today.
Asked if a lack of sufficient laws were among the contributing factors behind similar incidences nationwide, Nik Nazmi said the matter would be addressed comprehensively.
"Stricter punishment? We look at all the options. However, we are also aware of rapid development in certain areas (that could cause landslides), or high rainfall that could trigger it.
"I do not want to speculate, but we will look into all aspects. At the ministry, we are taking a holistic approach because this matter is not restricted just this one particular incident (the Batang Kali landslide).
"We want to save and protect the people," he said, adding that the tragedy should serve as a lesson to the people on the importance of taking care of the environment.
The landslide has so far claimed 23 lives. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate 10 more missing people.
The campers had comprised mostly families. Also among them was a group of teachers from SJKC Mun Choong in Jalan Ipoh, as well as their families and friends.
Nik Nazmi had on Friday said the landslide was due to a slope failure, with dimensions of 500m in length, a width of 200m and a depth of eight metres.