The Selangor government will make a written request to the Public Works Department to declassify the Hazardous Map which indicates the level of risk in residential areas in Hulu Klang, Ampang.

NONE Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that by doing so, the residents would be more aware of the level of risk that they would face by residing in hilly areas and take precautions accordingly in the event of natural disasters like landslide.

"If the document could be declassified, the state would then draft a working paper that would provide owners and developers information on the dangers and the relevant measures be taken with regard to properties that face high risk of being affected by natural disasters," Khalid told reporters after chairing the weekly executive council meeting near Shah Alam today.

Khalid also brushed aside speculation that the residential unit prices would go down in Hulu Klang, especially Bukit Antarabangsa, if the Hazardous Map was made known to the public.

"The property prices may go up if we have the best strategies and solutions for hillslope development. Our view is that it was better to know the problem rather than hiding it," he said.

Meeting with residents next month

Khalid said he would meet the residents of Bukit Antarabangsa next month to discuss and find solutions to the problems highlighted in the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide report, which was released by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) yesterday.

"The state will also explain to the public the policies that will be made by the local authorities to reduce the ri sk of houses in hilly areas being affected by natural disasters," he added.

The Bukit Antarabangsa landslide on Dec 6 last year claimed five lives and destroyed 14 bungalows.

- Bernama