“Slopes made Simple” explains the issues and especially the warning signs in an easy and useful manner. It really is a useful tool for all, not just those who live near slopes. We can all play our part in avoiding future disasters by simply understanding the processes involved.

Local authorities are not the sole caretakers. Depending on the situation, there are different owners and caretakers. For example, for a housing development: during construction and before CF handover, the developer is responsible for the safety of the slope. Once the developer hands over the housing development to the local authorities, all public property, including slopes, then goes under the care of the local authorities.

However, homeowners whose lot boundaries include slopes on their property are responsible for the maintenance. Thus such homeowners also have to take care of slopes.

Then there are institutional owners such as government agencies that also have slopes on their land. Likewise, they become responsible for their slopes.

The key to maintaining slopes is first to find out who is the owner. Then the onus is on the owner to carry out the slope maintenance. If they don’t and the slope shows signs of distress, it’s up to residents and the members of the public to point this out to the local authorities. It’s about your safety, so it’s worth it to make the effort of reporting it in.

Developments around hilly terrain have been well managed by Hong Kong (SAR) of China, and their experiences are very good models for Malaysians. [But] for too long, those who are entrusted to lead on this issue here have been not able to lead well.

[I am referring to] stakeholders [like] developers, local councils, buyers, related government agencies, and worst, the political leaders and law makers who [only do] ‘fire fighting’ [when] tragedies [occur] like the Bukit Antarabangsa slope failure on 6/12/2008, and the Highland Towers collapse in 1994.

Over the years, [we have] knowledge and experience BUT we [never learn] and never manage or minimise our problems. [It is so sad].

This kind of tragedy will repeat and keep on repeating. Good luck to buyers of hilly terrain developments.

Warmest regards,
Peter Leow

Yeah lah, coffee-table photo books about pretty things like wildlife or baju kebaya are one thing, but it takes real talent AND hard work to make educational books about “boring” subjects look cool. Will definitely consider getting it. Thanks for the review.