It does raise some questions, doesn't it?...Like, am I safe here in Tanarimba? Can the same thing occur here in Tanarimba? Will my house that's sitting pretty on a slope be at risk too?
Let's face the facts - As long as we have a human built structure on a slope - anywhere in the world - we are at risk. Fact. That risk increases when we are in a location that receives rain as much as we do here in this country. Fact. And it is also a fact that that risk can be addressed and reduced.
So, we need to be realistic about these facts and not fool ourselves by saying things like - well it has never happened here before? or the ground that we stand on is "different" from the type found in Bukit Antarabangsa (partly true, but...).
Being realistic, I believe, means we need to be careful and mindful of what must and should be done, for example:-
1. Let's remind ourselves with the concept and philosophy of Tanarimba. Let's embrace the natural surroundings with utmost respect.
2. Let's keep to the agreed restriction of only building on 20% of our land and leave the rest green- rainforest green, not grassy green.
3. Let's plant 10 tree seedlings for every mature tree we had to fell because it was in the way.
4. Let's choose the plants and trees that we want to plant on our land carefully to maintain the natural biodiversity.
5. Let's pay attention to the slopes and monitor them periodically, ourselves or with expert help.
6. Let's educate ourselves with the right things to do when constructing our houses - minimal impact on the environment.
I'm not an expert on slopes and therefore cannot offer any expert advice other than those out of common sense. I was a Zooview resident not too long ago though and had close-to-first hand experience of a landslide that took a few lives and the frustration of having to deal with the authorities.
Prayers go out to the people of Bukit Antarabangsa and everyone else who has to live with sleepless nights....
