RANAU: More than 300 residents of Kg Lembah Permai Kundasang were ordered to evacuate their houses with immediate effect, Monday, due to high risk of a massive landslide there.
Ranau Fire and Rescue Station Chief Ridwan Mohd Taib said the decision was made following an integrated inspection of the area involving several agencies under the Ranau Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB).
“Following the inspection, we conclude that there is ground movement in the Kg Lembah Permai area.
“According to the residents of Kg Lembah Permai, there is often a sound like an object being cut off or broken,” he said.
Ridwan said on foot and physical inspection of houses in Lembah Permai was done along with District Officer Jumain Abdul Ghani, Assistant District Officer, Fire and Rescue personnel, Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG) Sabah, police, APM, Ranau District Council and JKR about 10am.
Also joining the inspection were the villagers and PPM Kundasang
“Five high-risk houses (unsound house structure) were identified. There were large cracks in the walls, floor and roof.
“The large impact of soil movement can be seen significantly in the downstream part of Lembah Permai,” he said.
Ridwan said after receiving the advice and opinions from the Fire Department and JMG, the District Officer ordered the residents of Kg Lembah Permai to evacuate the area affected by the land movement.
“Currently it is still too early to determine the actual number of residents involved, but in our estimation, there are 200 to 300 houses and buildings in that area,” he said.
He added that JMG would make a detailed report related to the movement of the land soon as possible.
As at press time, the authorities concerned have yet to determine an exact centre to place those who were told to evacuate their homes.
