KUCHING: All relevant agencies, including local councils, have been urged to conduct assessments to ensure the stability of roads, bridges, and hillsides across Sarawak, following a landslide in Miri that claimed four lives today (Jan 29).
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said landslides remain a frequent issue in the state, with the government spending over RM60 million on repairs for collapsed hillsides, damaged roads, and broken bridges.
“So, I advise those who are staying near the hillside, to always remain vigilant. A few years ago, there was a house collapse in Serian and the house was built on unsuitable land, but the person had no choice.
“Therefore, I am calling upon the relevant agencies, including local councils, to to assess whether certain areas are safe for residence.
“I will direct all agencies to carry out the assessment, and direct the Public Works Department (PWD) to evaluate roads in Sarawak, especially in rural areas,” he said when met at the Sarawak-level Chinese New Year Open House at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Uggah, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, shared that they are in the midst of preparing a paper to present to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on precautionary measures that the ministry is taking.
These measures aim to reduce the occurrence of collapsed roads and bridges in the state.