Land Development in Lojing Halted Until Year-End Amid High Landslide Risk

All land development work in the Lojing Highlands has been ordered to stop immediately and will remain suspended until Dec 31, following continuous heavy rainfall that has significantly increased the risk of landslides and mud floods in the area.

The directive was issued by the Gua Musang District Council (MDGM) under Section 70A(4) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133), which grants local authorities the power to halt any land-related activity that could threaten public safety or damage property.

Developers Required to Prioritise Slope Safety

MDGM president Mohd Roshdi Ismail said developers and contractors operating in Lojing must place utmost priority on slope stability.

He stressed that they must strictly comply with all technical requirements and directives issued by the relevant engineering and safety departments.

“No land-related activities—including remedial or corrective works—are allowed to proceed without prior approval from the authorities,” he said.

This suspension underscores the urgency of mitigating disaster risks during Malaysia’s monsoon season, especially in high-altitude and environmentally sensitive regions.

Safety First Amid Escalating Weather Challenges

The Lojing Highlands, known for its steep terrain, has been particularly vulnerable to soil movement following prolonged rainfall. The temporary halt aims to protect nearby communities and prevent incidents similar to recent slope failures reported in other parts of the country.

The directive also highlights wider concerns about climate resilience across Malaysia—an issue relevant even to urban and industrial zones. This includes safeguarding infrastructure networks that support key growth regions such as:

• Industrial land in Selangor, where slope and drainage stability is critical for large-scale logistics and data centre developments

• High-density corridors supporting commercial property in KL and office space in Bukit Jalil

• Manufacturing zones requiring reliable access, including factory areas in Puchong and industrial property in the Subang area

Weather disruptions can impact transport, construction schedules and supply chain movement across the country, emphasising the need for strong environmental risk management.