Sungai Korok tragedy: Bamboo barriers among safety measures proposed
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said that, in addition to installing guardrails and streetlights, honey bamboo could serve as a natural, cost-effective buffer, especially in areas where there is sufficient riverbank reserve space.
"There were some discussions recently, and many suggested installing guardrails, but I also proposed planting bamboo as a buffer and landscape feature.
"I'll be putting forward this proposal to the Public Works Department (PWD)," he told reporters after officiating the key handover ceremony for Mutiara Bandar Puteri Jaya Phase 7 today.
Sanusi said honey bamboo differs from the bamboo commonly used for cooking, as it is more suited for roadside planting and significantly cheaper than installing steel barriers.
"The cost of installing guardrails can reach RM400,000 per kilometre.
"If you want to cover 15km, that's RM6 million.
"Bamboo takes time to mature, but if we wait on funding for guardrails, that might take even longer, or may not happen at all," he said.
He said the proposal will be forwarded to the PWD for technical evaluation based on site suitability, as not all stretches of the road are appropriate for guardrails.
"Some areas have enough space to plant bamboo, but for narrow and high-risk spots, guardrails might be necessary.
"It depends on needs and financial capability," he said.
He said other suggestions include constructing soil embankments as physical barriers.
"At 50km per hour, a vehicle would hit the embankment and not plunge into the river.
"That's another idea we're considering.
"We're offering these proposals based on what we can afford, but there's no doubt something must be done for public safety," he said.
Previously, the federal government said it would study the proposal to install guardrails and streetlights along the Sungai Korok stretch, following the tragedy.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the suggestion would be brought to the PWD's attention to ensure safety improvements are prioritised in the area.
It was reported that a family of six, reported missing since Saturday, was found inside a Proton Iswara that had plunged into Sungai Korok.
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