Kuala Lumpur: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has urged that repair works on hazardous slopes and landslide-affected areas along Jalan Sipan/Temalat in Song be carried out without delay to ensure public safety ahead of the upcoming Gawai Dayak celebrations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the cost to repair the dangerous slopes is estimated at RM2 million, while the restoration of landslide-hit areas would require an allocation of RM5 million. Nanta emphasized the urgency of these repairs despite the road falling under the jurisdiction of the state government, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of road users.

Nanta made these remarks during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) Disaster Reporting Meeting held at the Song District Office. During the meeting, he also advised the Public Works Department (JKR) to promptly install warning signs at landslide-prone areas along the Sibu-Kapit route to prevent any untoward incidents.

Additionally, Song District Officer Harry Bruce Edwin reported during the meeting that 14 areas were affected by flooding between March 21 and 23, which led to the evacuation of 104 people. Six schools, including SK Nanga Beguang, SK Nanga Temalat, SK Lubok Bedil, SK Nanga Janan, SK Nanga Nansang, and SMK Katibas, were also impacted by the floods.

In total, approximately 1,500 residents were affected, with many reluctant to move to the temporary evacuation centers provided.