Anthropogenic or not?
The final JKR report concludes there is no strong evidence to link anthropogenic activities to the Batang Kali landslide, attributing it instead to natural causes.
However, using historical Google Earth satellite images, we aim to demonstrate the opposite—that human factors, including land clearing and development, played a significant role in destabilizing the slope and contributing to the disaster.
Source: Google Earth
Let’s start by understanding what 'anthropogenic' means. Basically, it refers to anything resulting from or influenced by human activities, as opposed to natural causes.
This is a historical Google Earth satellite image from before the development took place at the site. In 2002, we can see that the road had already been built.
The above explains the construction of the slope and embankment. Simply put, this is a man-made slope and embankment.
This overlay clearly shows that the embankment failed and came crashing down.
- This highlights the significant anthropogenic factors involved in the disaster. Therefore, it is absurd to conclude that this was a natural disaster or to claim a lack of strong evidence of human activities.
Rainfall Patterns & Hydrogeology
The final JKR report attribute two significant factors that contribute to such events are rainfall patterns and hydrogeology, which are related to the change of underground water regime.
Let's break it down and whether one would agree to it?
The answer is obvious that both construction and land clearing altered the hydrogeology before the rain could have any impact on it.
JKR Road Maintenance
For any road, maintenance is critical to ensuring the safety of users and the surrounding area, especially for roads built on slopes and embankments. Constant road maintenance and monitoring must be carried out.
The report concludes with the statement: 'Slope and road maintenance works were carried out according to the scheduled maintenance at the incident site.'
However, the report only provides a brief mention of the scope and record of maintenance.
For a tragedy of such magnitude, involving the loss of many lives, one would expect a convincing and comprehensive report rather than a checklist with ticks.
Development & EIA 2012
The landslide happened at the land Lot 8993 belonged to Malaysia Botanical Gardens Resort Sdn Bhd (MBGR). It was previously owned by Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Selangor (PKPS)
In 2012, there was an EIA report produced for the proposed development of Holiday Resort and Botanical gardens on Lot 8993.
This particular EIA assessment was conspicuously omitted from the final JKR report, raising concerns about why such a critical document was overlooked.
Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Selangor website
The 2012 EIA suggested that Parcel B remain forested. Looking at the image above, this recommendation seems appropriate, as the landslide stopped right next to Parcel A.
Selangor MB's Empty Promises on the JMG Report
Following the Batang Kali landslide tragedy, Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains (JMG) was among the first agencies to respond. Their investigation at ground zero resulted in an early report on the disaster. In February 2023, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari assured the victims' families that the report would be released if they applied for it.
The families complied, submitting the necessary letter of application. However, to their dismay, the only response they received was a single cc email. They never got access to the JMG report.
This JMG report likely contains critical information about the causes of the landslide. For investigations like this, the earliest assessment is the most crucial, as it provides vital insights before the landscape or conditions at the site change due to further ground movement or landslides.
-
The families sent letter too to Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRECC) & Ministry of Works hoping to get some answer or updates on the report.
- Not forgetting the Ministry of Home Affairs for updates on the status of the police investigation into the tragedy.
- 27th December 2022: Police investigation 90% completed. Read here.
- 21th December 2023: Landowner to be charged.
- 2025: 3 years into the investigation, yet no one has been charged or held accountable.
GET INVOLVED
These narratives serve as a stark reminder that behind each statistic lies a unique story of pain and suffering.
#batangkali31
It is a tragedy that should not be forgotten. It should be a lessons for all.
Disclaimer
The information and content provided on this website are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, recommendations, or endorsements from certified experts. The views expressed are solely the opinions of the authors or contributors and do not reflect the opinions or positions of any professional organization or institution. This content is not intended to serve as evidence, admission, criticism, or any form of legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. Users are strongly encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice relevant to their individual circumstances. The information on this website is provided "as is" without any guarantees of completeness, accuracy, or reliability. The owners and contributors of this website disclaim any liability for decisions or actions taken based on the content provided. By accessing and using this website, you acknowledge that no content herein may be used as evidence or invoked in any court, legal proceeding, or other forum for dispute resolution. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact us for clarification. contact@batangkali31.com