KUCHING – Concerns over recurring landslides in Kampung Gunung Ngeli have prompted Simunjan State Assemblyman Awla Dris to call for immediate intervention. He emphasised that the situation has become increasingly critical as heavy rainfall linked to the Northeast Monsoon continues to destabilise slopes in the area.
The assemblyman highlighted that the community faces heightened danger during every rainy season, with saturated soil and unstable terrain posing serious risks.
He noted that despite comprehensive studies and reports already being prepared, urgent measures must take precedence over long-term planning.
Speaking during the debate on the Supply Bill (2026) at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Awla urged agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Minerals and Geosciences Department (JMG) to act swiftly.
He stressed that short-term mitigation should be implemented immediately while awaiting the finalisation of permanent solutions.
“Although detailed studies and complete reports have been prepared, the priority now is immediate action,” he said, adding that delays could expose residents to greater danger.
Recent records show that Kampung Gunung Ngeli, a former coal mining site now used for agriculture, has experienced multiple landslides this year alone, including incidents on 30 January, 3 February and 2 March. Continuous rainfall has been identified as the primary trigger, activating soil movement in the steep terrain.
The Northeast Monsoon, which typically brings prolonged downpours between November and March, has been linked to widespread flooding and landslides across Malaysia.
Authorities have warned that several surges of heavy rain are expected in the coming months, increasing the likelihood of further disasters.
Awla also pressed for more engineers to be stationed at the Simunjan District Council, arguing that technical expertise is vital to address development challenges and ensure public safety.
“Additional engineers are not just a necessity, but a priority for the safety of the people. Simunjan is developing, but without sufficient expert manpower, the risk of disasters and development delays will continue to occur,” he said.
The call comes as Sarawak continues to grapple with landslides and floods in multiple districts. The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee recently reported thousands displaced across the state due to severe weather, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures.
Nationally, the Public Works Department has been monitoring hundreds of high-risk slopes across Malaysia, deploying early warning systems to detect soil movement.
Officials have acknowledged that while predicting exact collapses is difficult, continuous monitoring remains essential to minimise damage.
Residents in Simunjan remain anxious as the rainy season intensifies, with local leaders pressing for faster approvals and immediate ground action.
The assemblyman’s appeal reflects growing concern that without swift intervention, the community could face escalating risks in the months ahead.
