KIULU: More than 2,000 users of the Kiulu-Tamparuli Road were affected when the main route at Km 2.45, Kampung Kionsom Lama, experienced erosion due to heavy rain since Tuesday.
Tuaran District Public Works Department engineer Farini Awang said the road had to be closed since 11pm on Tuesday due to the narrowing passage.
She said the temporary road diversion was closed for the safety of road users and to allow slope repair work.
“Road users are advised to comply with instructions and safety signage to prevent any unwanted incidents.
“Users are also advised to take alternative routes and plan their journeys while repair works are ongoing,” she said.
She said alternative routes available are Jalan Stesen TV Lawamandau-Kiulu, Jalan Telipok-Jalan Kampung Logkou Lama, Jalan Telipok-Jalan Kampung Bungalio and Jalan Kauluan-Kampung Bungalio.
“Road users heading to Kiulu, Tamparuli or Kota Kinabalu are urged to use these alternative routes. Further updates will be provided later,” she said.
A Daily Express observation at the site found the impacted area happened at the temporary diversion route, which was already under repair due to a previous landslide.
Several small vehicles were still seen stubbornly using the closed route as early as 7am on Wednesday despite full closure and the risk of further erosion.
Earlier, Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai urged the Department to establish an immediate temporary route to ease travel without disrupting repair works on the impacted area.
“I understand the difficulties faced by Kiulu residents and other road users due to this closure.
“I hope the temporary route can be completed as soon as possible for the convenience of users, especially those working outside Kiulu and students needing to attend school,” he said.
The Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister also expressed concern over the incidents’ impact, particularly on tourism, a key economic driver for Kiulu.
“We do not want Kiulu’s tourism sector to be affected. This route is important for tourists accessing eco-tourism spots here,” he said.
He said the Department and contractors have assured they will expedite efforts to build the temporary route as quickly as possible.
Regular meetings with the Department’s director and district engineers are held to ensure comprehensive follow-up actions on road damage issues along Kiulu’s main route, he added.
“While I acknowledge the Department’s challenges and constraints as they face similar issues elsewhere, I hope for a prompt solution to ensure the safety and smooth mobility of Kiulu residents,” he said.
Joniston said he will closely monitor repair progress and ensure all parties fulfil their roles.
In the latest engagement with the Tuaran Public Works Department, he requested more frequent monitoring along Kiulu’s main routes to detect early signs of landslides and take preventive measures.
He urged Kiulu residents to exercise caution when using alternative routes while awaiting full repairs.
