KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24- The Irrigation and Drainage Department of Malaysia (JPS) stays committed to strengthening the riverbanks in order to overcome the worsening problem of erosion.

Among the main factors is the steep slope of the riverbed causing erosion downstream and sedimentation upstream.

According to Ir Mat Pua'at Mat Hussain, as custodian of a river the JPS is responsible for enforcing riverbank strengthening works to prevent the occurrence of collapses.

"The owner of the house himself needs to monitor the soil structure in front of the house or road, to check for signs of cracks in the tarred road and so on. If it moves, it will get increasingly wider.

"So, they have to file a complaint and the authorities will analyse the situation. For soil structure made for development, it is usually strong and compact as they have already made 'piling' in the ground. Therefore, there is no problem with the slope safety," said Ir Mat Pua'at to reporters, today.

He added that JPS also conducts a hydraulic analysis to determine the water flow limit and protection design are compatible with the soil type in order to ensure the riverbank's stability.

Apart from that, additional protection such as concrete and boulders will be used in areas prone to serious erosion.