NEW SITE FOR LANDSLIDE VICTIMS: MASIDI

New site for landslide victims: Masidi

April 14, 2011 Ranau: A new settlement will be identified for people from several villages in Kundasang whose homes have been badly affected by landslides, assured State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun.

He said the best way to help these victims was to find them a new site, which is safe to rebuild their houses.

"Based on the damages, the risk for people to continue staying in the area is simply too high," he said, when met after visiting Kg Kundasang Lama and Dumpiring Atas, here, Wednesday.

Masidi, who is also Karanaan Assemblyman, said several suitable locations that belong to a government agency had been identified for the new settlement. He had discussed the matter with Kundasang Assemblyman Dr Joachim Gunsalam to negotiate with the government agency concerned to allow part of the land to be turned into a settlement.

For the time being, the District Office had placed the victims at the Kundasang Mini-Hall but most of them chose to put up with relatives.

Masidi also advised the people to be on constant alert in view of the present weather conditions which are expected to prevail until June.

The Public Works Department (PWD) is trying to repair some of the roads cut off due to the landslides.

Also on hand were Dr Joachim, State PWD Director Datuk John Anthony and District Officer, Faimin Kamin.

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Advice to resort operator

April 14, 2011 Ranau: At least one resort operator in Kundasang has been advised not to accept customers for the time being to avoid any untoward incident following several landslides there the past few days.

The Zen Garden Resort's worker's quarters also sustained damages, while 11 houses were damaged and 30 families affected by the landslide at Kg Kundasang Lama on Tuesday.

The victims evacuated their homes following the 5am landslide which became worse by 5pm due to several days of rain. District Fire and Rescue Department chief, Rudy Mekii said eight personnel helped to monitor and evacuate 71 villagers to the mini hall nearby. He urged other villagers to be constantly on alert for landslides. The police and civil defence were also at the scene to render assistance.

Meanwhile, the main road connecting Kg Kundasang Lama, Kg Mohimboyon and Kg Kinoundusun with Kundasang is virtually impassable.

A total of five villages that include Kg Lembah Permai, Mohimboyon, Dumpiring Atas and Dumpiring Bawah were affected the landslide.

The relevant authorities have been urged to channel assistance to the victims.