KUALA LUMPUR: Acquiring the latest technology on detecting soil movement should be the focus to prevent landslides, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

       The Alliance for Safe Community chairman said such technology could be placed at hill slopes and serve as an early warning system.

       "An early warning system can enable ample preparation to be made such as moving people out before a landslide occurs.

       "This is something that must be done nationwide as natural disasters are inevitable due to the current weather," he said when contacted on Saturday (March 12).

       He was commenting on the landslide in Taman Bukit Permai on Thursday (March 10), which claimed four lives.

       The government has to create more awareness on natural disasters, especially landslides so that the public were in constant state of preparedness, Lee said.

       "Being prepared can hopefully prevent loss of lives as well as damage to properties.

       "Malaysia is not exempted from natural disasters, thus being prepared is vital," he said.

       A safety audit on hill slopes was also needed, Lee said.

       "Authorities should be proactive rather than reactive in the face of natural disasters.

       "We should learn from past mistakes and work towards preventing tragedies," he said.

       On Thursday (March 10), a landslide at Taman Bukit Permai killed four victims and injured another.

       It also saw several houses and vehicles destroyed.