Activities Report Mar 2000 Newsletter
Floods and Landslides
      The Malaysian Nature Society deeply regrets the recent landslide tragedy that killed 6 people in 2 separate incidents in Kampung Raja, Cameron Highlands. Our many past experiences show that combinations of many factors contribute to landslides in our country. No doubt, the record rainfall experienced in the past weeks has been a significant contributing factor. However, the other factors are often man-induced and can be evaded.
      The annual recurrence of landslides suggests that overdevelopment of highlands and improper land use management are the main cause. No matter what type of land use is being done, proper erosion prevention measures must be maintained before, during and also after any projects. Hill slopes cut to gain additional topsoil for farms can aggravate an already existing erosion problem. High rainfall coupled with neglected erosion control measures and accumulated soil loss will lead to further potential tragedies.
      The same can be said of our never-ending flood problems. There are many things involved in maintaining proper river systems that can handle large unanticipated amounts of water. River deepening is costly, time-consuming and unnecessary if care is taken to reduce entry of silt into the river in the first place. That is why river buffer zones which allow no development should be enforced throughout the length of the river.
      Another important aspect is the protection and maintenance of watersheds and its natural forest and vegetation cover. Forests acts as sponges that retain rainfall and releasing them back slowly into the river during drought or normal times. Flood mitigation infrastructures in flood prone urban areas need to be budgeted into municipality annual development plan. Infrastructures such as bunding, storm retention ponds, canals etc can help manage a greater drainage load.
      The general public must also play their part in reducing and controlling flash floods. How many of our gardens are cemented directing all the rainwater into drains that flow into rivers instead of seeping to the ground? Do we take care that rubbish goes into their proper place and not thrown into drains and rivers? Very often, broken and unused furniture or electrical appliances find their way into rivers blocking water flow.
      Our nature and environment must be treated with respect and understood well. We must be careful not to change it drastically (whether out of ignorance or arrogance) to suit our needs because otherwise,  we have to face the consequences of high economic costs and risk of lives.

Dato' Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor     Kuala Lumpur, 11 January 2000 

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Created on 15th Mar 2000