KUALA LUMPUR: The Mineral and Geoscience Department Malaysia (JMG) is improving subsurface geological data for Klang Valley with a 3D mapping system to help manage risks like landslides and sinkholes.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry said the Greater KL Subsurface Geological Mapping Project (3DKL) would cover data spanning ten municipalities.
In a written Parliamentary reply yesterday, the ministry said the project aimed to provide crucial subsurface geological data and information for managing geological disaster risks.
"This data will also be used for development planning, particularly on stratum land," it said.
The ministry also said JMG provided geoscience technical advisory services through prevention, mitigation, adaptation and monitoring measures.
Some of these preventive measures include implementing hazard and risk mapping in landslide-prone areas, continuous ground movement monitoring, comprehensive site investigations, and ensuring efficient utility drainage systems.
"In addition, development and construction activities involving works such as groundwater pumping, drilling, tunnelling, and mining should also be controlled to prevent disruption to groundwater systems and prevent tremors," it added.
The ministry was responding to a question from Datuk Ahmad Amzah Mohamed (PN-Kuala Terengganu), who asked about the ministry's follow-up actions after the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole incident.
It said the JMG had prepared a Technical Sectoral report on the matter, which revealed limestone cavities in areas where land structural deformation was identified.
"The Kuala Lumpur City Hall has used the report's findings to conduct a site investigation to obtain a detailed subsurface profile, ensure soil structural integrity, and develop appropriate mitigation measures," it added.
On Aug 23, G. Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, a tourist from India, went missing after falling into an 8m-deep sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India while heading to a temple.