LIMBANG, May 22: Public Works Department (JKR) is urged to urgently install canvas as temporary measures to prevent further soil erosion and landslide at Kampung Bukit Kota here which was triggered by continuous rains since May 9.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture Modernisation, Customary Land and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail emphasised that the request has been sent to JKR to take immediate action by installing canvas over the collapsed hill-slopes considering the rainy season at northern parts of Sarawak.
“The installation of canvas is crucial to stabilise and prevent the hillslope from collapsing further during heavy rains and in order to minimise the risks of road users.
“We hope JKR will take action immediately as temporary measures while looking for long-term solutions.
“Landslides also occurred at Kampung Pahlawan nearby to a house but canvas has been placed. Thank you JKR for the effort,” he was reported as saying by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) following a visit to the site on Thursday.
Earlier, Dr Abdul Rahman had also visited the landslide area at Kampung Pahlawan which affected a house under People’s Affordable Housing Programme which belonged to Rosita Siamit.
In the landslide incident at Jalan Buangsiol, the main access road to Limbang was cut off and had to be closed temporarily for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and other agencies involved to carry out works on cleaning soil, debris and fallen trees.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also Bukit Kota assemblyman, also emphasised the need to find long-term solutions to address the landslide issues in Limbang District.
“In addition, we also requested for more allocations for areas with potential landslide problems especially along Jalan Buangsiol, Jalan Pandaruan, Jalan Kubong and others as well as housing and school areas,” he added.
He also assured that the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) has been activated to monitor and tackle flooding issues given the continuous rainfall and uncertain weather conditions of late.
Up to date, only one temporary relocation centre (PPS) has been opened at Trusan, Lawas while instruction has been given to Medamit PPS to get ready as flooding has yet to subside.
The Community Welfare Department is also ready to channel any aid needed.
Limbang Division Resident Ir Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, JKR Limbang Division assistant engineer Mahathir Jokeni, Pemanca Abu Bakar Tinggal and Bukit Kota village chief Matasan Amit were present. — DayakDaily
