Sinkhole-prone areas must undergo mandatory risk assessments: KPKT

The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) has issued a directive requiring all sinkhole-prone areas to undergo mandatory risk assessments before development proceeds, officials announced. The measure aims to ensure public safety considerations and geological risks are evaluated at the earliest stages of planning and project implementation.

The directive addresses growing concerns over sinkhole incidents across Malaysia, which have caused significant damage to infrastructure and posed serious risks to residents. By implementing systematic risk assessments, the ministry seeks to identify potential geological hazards before construction begins, allowing developers and planners to take appropriate preventative measures.

The requirement establishes a framework whereby areas with historical sinkhole activity or geological conditions conducive to subsurface collapse must be thoroughly investigated. Assessments will evaluate soil composition, water table levels, and other hydrogeological factors that contribute to sinkhole formation.

The ministry's directive reflects a shift toward proactive hazard management rather than reactive crisis response. Officials stated the approach will help reduce emergency incidents, protect property values, and ensure infrastructure longevity in vulnerable regions across the country.