by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 29: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has called upon local councils to do frequent assessments on areas prone to landslides to ensure that it is safe for residents.
He said this is in view of the fatal landslide situation at Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri which claimed the life of one teenage boy while four others, including two children, who remain missing.
“I am calling upon local agencies, especially the local councils, to do the assessment to ensure that the place is safe for residents,” he told reporters at the Sarawak-level Chinese New Year (CNY) Open House 2025 at BCCK, here today.
Uggah, who is also also chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), has also directed JKR to assess the roads on slopes across Sarawak, especially in the interior areas.
“We are in the midst of preparing a paper to be presented to the Premier on some of the precautionary measures that we will take to minimise landslides along roads,” Uggah said.
He further noted that the search and rescue operations are still ongoing at Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri.
“We are assessing the situation. If there is a need, we will pull in experts to assist,” he said.
He also expressed his condolences to the families of the victim of the landslide.
Meanwhile, Sarawak’s Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said measures are being taken to support victims of the landslide and flood situations in Miri.
“Yesterday, the Miri Resident, who is also chairman of the Miri division Disaster Committee has activated the Miri Disaster Management operation room and starting from today, they will be operating 24 hours (to help victims of the flood and landslide).
“We have also activated all the emergency response team and all the agencies involved to help.
“We are on full alert,” he said when met with reporters at the Sarawak-level CNY Open House 2025.
He noted that the teams are also closely monitoring high risks areas of this landslide. – DayakDaily
