The actual cause of the mudslide at the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway which resulted in thousands of motorists trapped on Wednesday will be investigated even though several parties did not rule out the incident might have been due to uncontrolled logging activities and development.
Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka) is among those which believes the landslip at KM52.4 of Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway near Lentang-Bukit Tinggi area was due to uncontrolled logging activities in the Lentang Forest Reserve area.
The highway concessionaire, ANIH Berhad also said rubbish, timber logs and boulders which were swept away in the incident near the Lentang Forest Reserve showed certain activities in areas outside of the company's maintenance site caused overflow of water.
However, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the mudslide incident was due to natural causes but did not deny there were logging activities near the area.
The Pahang Forestry Department concurred with the statement and denied there was logging activities on the fringe of the Lentang Forest Reserve which caused the incident, and said the incident was due to heavy rain and slope failure in the area.
Nonetheless, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof on Thursday stressed that the cause of the incident would be investigated and its results would be announced in two weeks after the related experts completed their studies on the incident.
However, he said it was still too early to link the incident to logging activities as investigations had not been completed.
The mudslide near Lentang-Bukit Tinggi at 6.30pm Wednesday caused a section of the highway impassable in both directions, with three private vehicles and a lorry stranded in the area. Fortunately, vehicle owners managed to run to safety.
The incident also caused 25 occupants of Pahang Forestry Department quarters to evacuate to the Lentang mosque.
Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department has not ruled out the possibility of a second mudslide at the highway, should heavy rain continue.
Its deputy director-general, Datuk Soiman Jahid said the possibility was based on a survey from the air which showed there were pools of water at the hill top near the highway.
PHOTOS: Aftermath of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway mudslide
READ: KL-Karak highway closed at KM52.4 until Saturday - Police
READ: Landslide incidents in Karak from 1985-2015
READ: Eyewitness: 'I saw water gushing, cars were almost adrift'
PHOTOS: Kuala Lumpur-Karak highway mudslide
Bernama
Thu Nov 12 2015
The mudslide near Lentang-Bukit Tinggi at 6.30pm Wednesday caused a section of the highway impassable in both directions, with three private vehicles and a lorry stranded in the area. - Astro AWANI/Files
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.