LETTERS: Recent incidents of sinkholes and landslides in the country are indeed wake up calls for us to prioritise overall safety in our daily lives.
In Kuala Lumpur, the fact that senior Ministers, City Hall officials, and Fire and Rescue personnel have swung into action is reassuring.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has already called for an integrity audit of the overall sewage system for Jalan Masjid India, the scene of the first tragic sinkhole a week ago..
Such audits should have been put in place if we have a Safety Culture. But questions still remain about other possible danger spots in the rest of Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere.
What about other parts of the country? In Kluang, two policemen were hit by landslides while on duty.
Have we got in place a system that prioritises regular safety audits in areas which are prone to floods, landslides, and other dangers posed by climate change?
Comprehensive safety measures involve enhanced geological surveys. Thorough geological assessments of affected areas are needed to identify potential risks.
Understanding the underlying soil and rock conditions will help predict and prevent future sinkholes and other danger spots.
We should have real-time monitoring systems that track changes in ground stability and water levels.
Technologies such as ground-penetrating radar, as the Minerals and Geosciences Department has already initiated in Jalan Masjid India, and sensors can provide early warning signs of subsurface anomalies.
We should regularly review and upgrade existing drainage systems and other infrastructural elements that may contribute to ground instability, ensuring that construction follows modern engineering standards.
We should engage the community through educational programmes about sinkholes, their causes, and how to report suspicious ground movement.
Keeping residents informed helps foster a culture of vigilance.
We could, and should, develop and regularly update emergency response plans that include evacuation procedures and communication strategies, ensuring residents know what to do in the event of a collapse.
We should create partnerships between local government, engineering experts, and community organisations to share knowledge and resources. Collaborative efforts can lead to more effective solutions.
Regular channels for ongoing community feedback regarding safety concerns can enhance the responsiveness of local authorities.
These measures are increasing in importance because of the changing weather patterns which have resulted in heavier and more frequent rainfalls.
By implementing these measures, Kuala Lumpur and the rest of the nation can enhance residents' safety, restore public confidence, and reduce the risk of future emergencies.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman
Alliance For A Safe Community