What evidence do survivors cite for human factors in the landslide?

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Survivors Cite Land Development and Infrastructure Issues as Contributing Factors to the Batang Kali Landslide

Survivors of the Batang Kali landslide on December 16, 2022, have presented evidence suggesting that human activities, rather than solely natural causes, contributed to the disaster. They point to issues related to land development, road construction, and the subsequent inspection and maintenance of the site as key factors. These claims directly challenge the findings of the Public Works Department (PWD), which indicated no strong evidence linking the landslide to human activities.
Land Development and Road Embankment Failure

Survivors contend that land clearing and development activities destabilised the slope. They highlight that the road embankment gave way, while the adjacent forested area remained intact. This observation leads them to believe that the landslide was not solely a consequence of rainfall, suggesting a failure in infrastructure rather than a purely natural event.
Disputed PWD Findings

The survivors, led by Loh Teng Shui, strongly contest the PWD's report. The official report by the Landslide Working Group Task Force (JKKTR) concluded that slope and road maintenance were conducted as scheduled and found no significant evidence connecting the landslide to human intervention. Loh, however, argues that such a conclusion overlooks critical contributing factors.
Multiple Contributing Factors Identified

Loh stated that multiple factors were involved in the landslide's occurrence, asserting that it did not happen spontaneously. He specifically mentioned land development issues, the construction of the road, and the procedures for its inspection and maintenance as significant contributors. This perspective suggests a complex interplay of factors beyond meteorological conditions.

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What evidence do survivors cite for human factors in the landslide?

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