KIULU: A landslide at Kilometre 4.8, near Kampung Rangalau in Kiulu on Monday had forced the road to be temporarily closed to make way for repair and caused a power disruption in the town here.
The landslide, which occurred at around 3.35pm, had also affected access to the area.
“To date, works are being carried out by the Public Works Department to clear the 50 metres of affected path,” said Tuaran District Officer, Madiyem Layapan, yesterday.
He said the repair works would take some time as the pile of mud was quite thick, adding that the local authorities, including the police and Fire and Rescue Services Department (Bomba) had rushed to the scene upon receiving a distress call to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of road users.
“As a precaution, we have requested for both the police and Bomba to remain in the vicinity to closely monitor the situation, besides ensuring the safety of the people in the area,” he said, adding that the incident was caused by heavy rain the past few days.
Road users between the Tamparuli-Kiulu routes have been advised to take the Kiulu-Lawa, Mandau or Telipok-Kiulu alternative routes.
Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai who was also at the scene urged the villagers to oblige to the call and directive from the local authorities to utilise the alternative routes, which he believes was for the good of the people.
“I would like to congratulate the local authorities and security forces for their quick action. We hope the repair works will be completed soon ,” he said.
More than 1,500 consumers were affected, said Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) senior general manager (assets management) Ahmad Fuad Md Kasim in a statement here yesterday.
He said a high-voltage electrical pole belonging to SESB was damaged and the condition of the soil structure in the vicinity of the area was still unstable, thus complicating electricity restoration works to most of Kiulu.
However, he added, power supply was restored in stages to several areas on the same day.
Ahmad Fuad said consumers whose areas were without electricity could contact the 24-hour SESB hotline at 15454 or 088-515000.