Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through Malaysian-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) and Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), Selangor signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in scientific and technical studies to measure landslide vulnerability and landslide-related risks on 28 June in Kuala Lumpur.

This one-year collaboration between UTM and MPAJ through the Disaster Prevention & Preparedness Center (DPPC), MJIIT,  is under the Preventing Future Landslide Disaster Risk by Science, Technology and Innovation in Selangor (PREVENT-LANDSLIDE) project which has been underway since September 2020.

This project presents scientific and technical studies to assess landslide vulnerability and landslide-related risks in the Bukit Antarabangsa area, with the aim of providing a better view to prevent landslide disaster risk in Bukit Antarabangsa in the future based on science, technology, and innovation.

It is also to support the formulation of local disaster risk reduction strategies in Malaysia.

Held virtually, UTM was represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Bin Ismail and MPAJ Selangor was represented by the Yang Dipertua, Tuan Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim.

The MoA signing ceremony was also officiated by the Selangor Menteri Besar, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato ‘Seri Amirudin Shari.

DPPC is a research center established in UTM that focuses on conducting multi -disciplinary research and training on disaster management and public safety at the national level and the ASEAN region.

DPPC as one of UTM’s strong assets is heading towards becoming a world -class research and training center to develop resilience to disasters and climate change.

The establishment of this DPPC is in line with the ministry’s desire to save costs and optimize resources, developing highly skilled human capital in the field of disaster management that can provide benefits as well as give advantages not only to the community and country in particular but for the Southeast Asian region (ASEAN) as a whole.

The project, led by DPPC and conducted by MPAJ, submits scientific and technical studies to assess landslide vulnerability and landslide-related risks in the Bukit Antarabangsa area, with the aim of providing a better view to prevent landslide disaster risks in Bukit Antarabangsa at front based on science, technology, and innovation.

The PREVENT-LANDSLIDE project also supports the formulation of local disaster risk reduction strategies in Malaysia. Various policies and strategies at the state level will be implemented with the support of stakeholders and local agencies.

This study provides a set of key actions and technical solutions based on science and technology in identifying the causes of landslide risk, proposing prevention measures, and supporting local development planning that takes into account disaster risk reduction (DRR) in support of the Sendai Framework’s global targets for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, New Urban Agenda and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in climate change.

The PREVENT-LANDSLIDE study project was funded by the Selangor state government which aims to assess the vulnerability and risk of landslides in Bukit Antarabangsa due to landslides that occurred on 30 May 2020 in Taman Kelab Ukay and Mukim Hulu Kelang Gombak.

This initiative is also supported by a 4 -year project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Japan Partnership Program (JPP). One of the objectives of this initiative is to provide a science -based understanding of disaster risk among community leaders, members and local authorities. Scientific knowledge -based risk analysis is a strategic and practical approach that can be used effectively to develop the resilience of communities in the region.

As stated in UTM’s vision of making UTM a world-class center of academic and technological excellence, this collaboration is in line with UTM’s mission to be a leader in human capital development and innovative technologies that will contribute to transforming Malaysia.

By taking a scientific and science-based approach in presenting risks to community stakeholders, this strategic risk management is better able to convince residents to learn, plan, implement and take proactive action in protecting their homes, property and lives in the long run sustainably.

To support the continuity of this project, a 10 -year roadmap has been proposed to consider strategies, priorities for action, and programs/initiatives following the Selangor State Structure Development Plan 2025, Smart Selangor 2025, National Slope Master Plan 2009 -2023, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, and several other national, regional and global agendas to reduce landslide risk, prevent future risks, and strengthen community resilience in the State of Selangor.

It is hoped that the efforts and initiatives by DPPC, MJIIT UTM and MPAJ Selangor can be continued and can benefit stakeholders and all levels of society in developing a culture of prevention, preparedness mitigation and recovery related to disasters.

Watch the ceremony live stream on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mjiitutm/videos/1236053666846217

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Khamarrul Azahari Razak

Director, Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Center

Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Email: khamarrul.kl@utm.my

Sr. Dr. Siti Uzairiah Mohd Tobi

Deputy Director, Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Center

Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Email: uzairiah.kl@utm.my