The figure was stated by natural resources, environment and climate change minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in a message to mark World Geologists’ Day which is observed on April 2, Bernama reported.

However, no details of the slopes were given.

Nik Nazmi said last December’s tragic landslide at Batang Kali, which claimed 31 lives, could have been avoided if due care was given to the development of the area.

He said the site involved should have been confirmed to be stable and safe, and not at risk of geological disasters such as landslides.

“In addition, mudflow incidents, which have occurred several times, also need to be given attention,” he said.

Nik Nazmi said geologists are required to conduct regular checks, to ensure that the people who are exposed to geological disasters are given enough knowledge so that unwanted incidents can be avoided in the event of floods or mudflows in the future.

Nik Nazmi said he was highly impressed with the work of the department’s geologists at the Batang Kali site.

“Geologists are among the first to arrive at a disaster site, and analyse the site as well as the movement of the landslides. They are also the ones who study and understand the cause of the incident,” he said.

Nik Nazmi urged geologists to explore sources of renewable energy, such as geothermal sites, to help in the mining of non-radioactive rare earth elements.

He said the rare earths mining industry is currently being actively developed, with several areas identified as having the potential to promise good returns to the national economy.

Nik Nazmi said the department had been directly involved in drafting the Groundwater Strategic Plan 2021-2040, to support the transformation of the water sector by 2040.

He added that the involvement was to ensure the country’s water supply continues to be in a sustainable state, through continuous studies on the conjunctive use of underground water sources.

He said his ministry was preparing a national development plan for geoparks.