
RM36 million needed to address 20 high-risk slopes, says Nanta
PUTRAJAYA: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that more than RM36 million is needed urgently to address 20 high-risk slopes across the country.
"It is challenging to allocate such a sum, but to ensure that slopes do not endanger lives and property, we will address the issue," he said at a press conference held during the National Slope Symposium 2025 today.
Most of the high-risk areas are located along the East-West highway, although other areas across the country are also affected.
"Overall, there are 2,000 slopes, but only 20 are classified as high-risk and prioritised," he said.
Work to address these high-risk slopes is expected to commence this year.
Nanta said the government had allocated over RM563 million under the 2024 Budget for slope mitigation, but noted that the amount was insufficient.
"Although we are truly grateful... we still need more than that," he said.
Speaking on the National Slope Master Plan 2025–2030 launched at the event, Nanta said it serves as a strategic framework to guide slope management and ensure public safety while maintaining fiscal efficiency.
"That is why we need a master plan - to guide our actions and planning," he added.
The symposium was also attended by Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and featured local and international presenters.
Under the 2025 Budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that over RM250 million was allocated for slope repairs nationwide.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Vietnam bride's lavish dowry includes 100 civet cats, gold, property and shares
KUALA LUMPUR: A 22-year-old woman in Vietnam has turned heads online after receiving a dowry worth millions, including 100 civet cats, gold, cash, property and shares from her family. South China Morning Post reported that the young bride, whose identity has not been disclosed, hails from the southwestern region of Vietnam and tied the knot last May. Her dowry, which has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, was reportedly valued at around 1.8 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately RM330,000) for the civet cats alone. The unusual wedding gift included female civet cats with breeding potential, along with 25 taels of gold, 500 million dong (about RM91,000) in cash, shares worth 300 million dong (RM55,000), seven properties and other high-value assets. In return, the groom's family presented a bride price comprising 10 taels of gold, 200 million dong (around RM36,000) in cash, and diamond jewellery. The bride's father, Hong Chi Tam, said his daughter, a business graduate, was fully capable of managing her assets and achieving financial independence. "Whether she decides to breed the civet cats or sell them, I will support her. The important thing is she has control over her future," he was quoted as saying. Tam said all his children have assumed roles in the family business after completing university, and this dowry was meant to serve as a stepping stone for his daughter's continued financial growth. In Vietnam, civet cats are considered a lucrative asset, especially for their role in the production of Kopi Luwak, one of the world's most expensive coffees. The coffee beans are collected from the faeces of civets that consume ripe coffee cherries, producing a distinctive flavour profile after undergoing the animal's digestive process. Apart from coffee, civet meat is regarded as a delicacy in parts of China and Vietnam and is sometimes used in traditional medicine. A breeding female civet can fetch around 18 million dong (approximately RM3,300), while a pregnant one may be worth as much as 27 million dong (RM5,000). Despite their high market value, the civet trade has come under scrutiny. Animal welfare organisation World Animal Protection International has raised concerns about the inhumane treatment of civets, highlighting the use of traps to capture them from the wild and the poor living conditions they endure on farms. The story, initially reported by Taiwan's ETtoday, has drawn mixed reactions online. Some lauded the dowry as a progressive move to empower the bride with assets and income-generating potential. "This is how you raise a daughter – by giving her the tools to succeed," one user commented. Others, however, questioned the ethics behind using wildlife as part of business dealings or marital arrangements. "Behind the glamour lies animal exploitation. We need to reflect on whether this is a practice worth celebrating," another wrote.


Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
RM250,000 concrete drain completed at Lrg Semaba 7 to tackle flooding issues
Yap (second left) and others seen at the site of the completed concrete drain at the T-junction of Lorong Semaba 7. KUCHING (June 7): The construction of a concrete drain at the T-junction of Lorong Semaba 7 has been completed at the cost of RM250,000, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap. He said the rural transformation programme (RTP) project had resolved long-standing drainage and flooding issues in the area. 'With the completion of this phase, residents in the neighbourhood can now look forward to improved water flow, reduced flood risk and better overall living conditions,' he said in a statement. He emphasised that the initiative is more than just a basic infrastructure upgrade. 'It is a commitment to ensure that every part of Kota Sentosa is not left behind in terms of infrastructure. Too many of our older residential areas still suffer from outdated or insufficient basic amenities. 'I am working tirelessly to correct that,' he added. Yap also revealed that the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has conducted survey and assessment works on the opposite side of the same T-junction, as well as another stretch of earth drains along Lorong Semaba 11. The proposed next phase will involve the construction of additional concrete drains, with a combined estimated cost of RM400,000, and MPP engineers are currently preparing the Bill of Quantities to move the project forward. Reaffirming his commitment to infrastructure development, Yap said he will continue to advocate for improvements under the RTP and other government allocations. 'Development cannot be concentrated in one area. As your elected representative, I will continue to press for improvements – street by street, lorong (lane) by lorong – so that all residents of Kota Sentosa enjoy the benefits of proper, modern infrastructure.' Yap also highlighted that his efforts are aligned with the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government's focus on inclusive development and narrowing the infrastructure gap, particularly in semi-urban and suburban communities. He emphasised that infrastructure is not just about roads and drains. 'It's about dignity, safety and improving the quality of life for the people I serve. I will not rest until every kampung, taman and lorong in Kota Sentosa sees tangible progress,' he pledged. concrete drain flooding jalan semaba lead Wilfred Yap


The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Marine viaduct to be built to link southern Penang with Silicon Island
GEORGE TOWN: A 380-metre marine viaduct connecting southern Penang with Silicon Island will be built and is expected to open to the public by December 2028. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the four-lane viaduct is a key component of the Pan Island Link 2A (PIL2A) project, which is a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity between Silicon Island and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge or the Second Penang Bridge, as well as supporting the state's long-term urban growth. He said construction work on the viaduct would begin this month, with the first phase expected to be completed by mid-2027 to support the opening of the first factory to operate on Silicon Island in the same year. 'The total cost of PIL2A phase one is RM390 million, covering the construction of 1.5 kilometres of infrastructure connecting the land area at Permatang Damar Laut to Silicon Island, including the construction of a 380-metre permanent marine viaduct. 'The components in PIL2A phase one will also connect Silicon Island with the Second Bridge at Batu Maung Roundabout and the Penang International Airport (LTAPP) through the construction of an elevated highway to improve connectivity,' he told reporters after visiting Silicon Island to see the progress of development there, which has now reached 64.75 hectares. According to Chow, the contractor has completed the construction of a 378-metre temporary bridge to provide access for construction and infrastructure works on Silicon Island, which will have a community hub, including Medan Selera Matang, to be built at Permatang Damar Laut overlooking Silicon Island. He said the initiative is to ensure that those affected by the development project there, especially food stall traders, can be relocated, thus reflecting the state government's commitment and concern. 'The development of the community hub on land covering approximately 0.8 hectares will also include a new Village Community Management Council (MPKK) hall, Fishermen's One-Stop Service Centre, food stalls and restaurants, as well as a shed for fishermen,' he said. Chow said to support the initial water supply needs of Silicon Island, a suction tank and pump house will be built on land adjacent to Medan Selera Matang, with construction work to commence in the third quarter of this year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Meanwhile, Penang Infrastructure Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB) chief executive Officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said that the total construction cost for the community facilities, pump houses and suction tanks is estimated at RM36 million. 'This facility (community hub) is expected to be a vibrant new destination that will not only benefit residents, but also have the potential to attract more tourists, thus supporting tourism and the local economy,' he said. Silicon Island, with a land area of 930.78 hectares, is a reclamation project owned by the Penang government. It marks the first time the state government is directly undertaking a reclamation project to ensure long-term economic growth.