Tunnels, bridges proposed in landslide risk areas
Published on: Thursday, December 19, 2019
By: Hayati Dzulkifli
PAPAR: Tunnels and bridges are proposed for roads that have to pass through hilly areas like in Ranau so as to prevent recurrence of landslides in Sabah, said State Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony.
He said both methods have identified by the ministry, as measures that would not disturb or affect the land structures.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The ministry has come up with methods or measures to address landslide that cause impassable roads especially in hilly areas and slopes that must be addressed.
“Hence, my ministry will propose a plan to build tunnels and bridges on roads in hilly areas that are prone to landslides except in a recent landslide in Ranau at Km96.7 of Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan Road on Dec 18 that was caused by hilling cutting activities and earthwork for agriculture and construction of a house atop a hill.
“Such activities had messed up the land structure and caused soil sedimentation below the area and subsequently caused landslip on the road that occurred at 9.40pm on Dec 8 (Sunday) and made the road impassable by vehicles,” he said.
Peter said this to reporters after the opening of Christmas celebration and Thanksgiving ceremony 2019 at Kimanis level by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, organised by KDM Malaysia, at Mile 8, Kg Kelatuan, recently.
ADVERTISEMENT
Shafie also announced funding of less than RM500,000 to build fencing of a church in Kelatuan here.
The affected road at Km96.7 situated between Kundasang and Ranau was repaired in two days and opened to road users while a landslide at Tamparuli-Kiulu road that happened between 3.30am and 4am on Dec 10 (Tuesday) also had been repaired less than 12 hours and can be used by motorists.
ADVERTISEMENT
Peter said he also instructed district council in Ranau to do close monitoring on any quarters that may try to do earthworks activities on road shoulders or slopes which are located very near to roads.
On KDM support to Warisan election candidate for the upcoming Kimanis parliamentary by-election, Peter, who is also Warisan’s Vice-President, said he is optimistic that the KadazanDusunMurut (KDM) support would be the same in the 14th General Election (GE14) as they want changes in development that would benefit the KDMs.
This is because, he said when compared to other ethnic groups, the KDM community is left behind and want changes that could bring positive changes to their lives and next generations.
“Those people who come to this event (Christmas celebration and Thanksgiving) are the supporters who want to see changes and equality not only for them but for the whole ‘Bangsa Sabah’ so that they plan for the interest of their next generations,” he said.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
