Kampung Bukit Kota folk cry for help

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LIMBANG: The residents of Kampung Bukit Kota are living in fear. Five years ago, a landslide hit their village and it seems the ugly face of that incident may return soon to haunt them.

LIVING IN DANGER: (From left) Anyi and Dr Rahman inspect the landslide behind Brahim’s house (second right) at Kampung Bukit Kota.

LIVING IN DANGER: (From left) Anyi and Dr Rahman inspect the landslide behind Brahim’s house (second right) at Kampung Bukit Kota.

The villagers have found cracks on several slopes behind their houses, and they are having sleepless nights worrying about it. They fear that landslides may occur when the rain pours.

An 81-year-old resident Brahim Bakir said what worried his folks the most was the safety of their children who were fond of playing at the foothills.

“We cannot predict it (landslide). They (kids) could be at the wrong place at the wrong time. We don’t want anything bad to happen,” said 81-year-old Brahim Bakir.

“We want the government to take precautionary measures immediately before these cracks become bigger and cause serious troubles for us,” he added.

Another resident, Muit Salleh, lamented that the slope behind his house were also not stable, and cracks could be found on it.

Meanwhile, a recent landslide in the village damaged a wooden bridge which then hit a house belonging to Kula Tangah. Kula, 71, claimed that the foundation of his house was now unstable.

“I’m worried the damage inflicted on my house will become serious. It has been four days now (since the incident).

The house might collapse if a landslide hits,” said Kula, whose house is home to 14 people.

Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Limbang district officer Anyi Ngau visited Kampung Bukit Kota and inspected the site yesterday.

Dr Rahman assured that immediate action would be taken to assist the residents.

“We will instruct the Public Works Department and Mineral and Geo-science Department to inspect the high-risk areas. We will get the feedback from them and act on their recommendations,” he said, adding that some of the areas would be covered with canvas as a precautionary measure.

He would also bring the matter up with the state Disaster and Relief Committee for a solution.