KENINGAU: The latest estimated cost required to repair public infrastructure damaged by recent floods in this district has exceeded RM28 million.
Deputy Chief Minister I cum Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said that one of the largest allocations —RM17 million — is needed to restore the Pegalan River in Kampung Gasabon, Apin-Apin, to its original course.
He said the river’s flow needs to be redirected to its original path, and the land that had shifted due to erosion must be reinstated to stabilise the soil. Additionally, embankments must be raised to prevent frequent overflows in the village during floods.
Dr Jeffrey, who is also Keningau MP, said this when met after attending a disaster management meeting at Keningau District Office here Thursday.
He emphasised the urgency of immediate action to enable repairs to proceed without delay.
At the same time, Dr Jeffrey stressed the need for urgent funding and hoped the Federal Government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), as well as the State Government, would allocate the necessary funds.
He pointed out that global climate change, which also affects Malaysia, led to environmental challenges such as floods, riverbank erosion and landslides.
Of particular concern, he noted, is a 300-metre-long, six-metre-deep water reservoir that had formed in the Malapi River, Ulu Bayayo, as a result of a two-kilometre-long landslide during the recent floods.
He warned that if this reservoir collapses, it could trigger flash floods, posing a serious risk to residents living along the Bayayo River.
“In response, we have informed villagers, especially those residing along the Bayayo River, through an early warning system, and we are ensuring that they relocate or temporarily move their belongings as a precaution.
“We are also hoping that the rainfall does not continue, so that the reservoir can gradually break down naturally,” he added.
