JULAU: Residents of Rumah Banyang Jamu in Sungai Merurun, Lijan near here, are fully aware of the threat of massive landslide posed by the steep slope located behind their 24-door longhouse.
Headman Banyang Jamu said that in as far as ensuring the safety of the residents was concerned; they welcomed whatever course of action deemed fit by the relevant authorities.
“I see no reason or room for compromise in matters concerning safety of lives,” he said during an informal discussion with Meluan assemblyman Wong Judat and officer in-charge of Julau Public Works Department Muhd. Azuan Tiong at their longhouse last Monday.
Banyang said that he would neither object nor impose any condition on any course of action preferred by the authorities concerned, be it involving removal of soil, construction of terraces on hill slope or any other course of action.
They would not demand for compensation on the removed soil or any affected crops, he assured Wong and Azuan who sought their sincere stand on the matter.
Earlier, Wong explained that he made an effort to discuss the matter with the residents as he felt the longhouse was threatened by the risk of landslide from the hill.
“I hope we have not caused the residents of Rumah Banayang to be unduly panicked. We are trying to do whatever we can for the good of everybody.”
With the consent of the residents, he would bring up the matter to all the relevant authorities and discuss the appropriate course of action to be taken, Wong said.
Furthermore, following the recent landslide incident in Selangor which claimed 16 lives, the Public Works minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor had advised all the authorities concerned to monitor threats posed by landslide, especially in high-risk residential areas like those located on hill slopes.