Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia Department (JMG) has identified five critical slopes at high risk of landslides in Kundasang, Ranau, following a detailed geological engineering mapping study conducted in the Kundasang Landslide Complex (Zone A).
The findings were announced by Sabah JMG Director Dr Francis Tating during the Engagement Session and Report Handover Ceremony for the Geological Engineering Mapping of Kundasang (Zone A), here, Tuesday.
The session, which also marked the official commencement of the 2025–2028 Project on Slope Hazard and Risk Mapping and Installation of an Early Warning System (EWS) in Kundasang, was attended by representatives from 17 external agencies, including the Ranau District Office, Public Works Department (JKR), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and various technical and safety agencies.
Francis said the project was initiated in response to the major landslide incident at Kg Lembah Permai on Feb 2, 2023, which caused severe damage to several residential homes and homestay facilities.
“Following a coordination meeting with the Ranau District Office and other government agencies on March 10, 2023, JMG was entrusted to carry out an extended study to assess the causes of slope instability and propose long-term mitigation measures,” he said.
He said the mapping covered an area of approximately four square kilometres (km²) using modern technologies such as drones, GIS (Geographical Information System) and comprehensive field surveys.
The study documented 49 slopes and identified 79 landslide occurrences, most of which were classified as creep and translational earth slides.
“Analysis revealed that about 45.6 per cent of the study area is categorised as very high risk.
“The most affected areas include Kg Lembah Permai, Kg Giman, Kg Desa Aman, Kg Muhibbah, Kg Sinisian and Kg Liwagu,” he added.
The five critical slopes identified are located near residential areas and major roads, including Jalan Kundasang-Ranau and Jalan Tamparuli-Ranau, both key routes frequented by residents and tourists.
Francis said weak drainage systems, high groundwater levels, soft soil materials and prolonged heavy rainfall were among the main contributing factors to slope instability in the highland region.
“Recommended mitigation measures include the construction of multi-tiered gabion walls, reinforced concrete slope stabilisation, reprofiling, soil nailing and the establishment of a comprehensive drainage system to enhance slope safety,” he said.
He said the Early Warning System (EWS) will be installed progressively at the identified high-risk slopes, subject to landowner approval, to enable real-time monitoring and faster emergency response.
“This system is vital for strengthening community preparedness and ensuring rapid evacuation when necessary,” he said.
“This initiative continues JMG’s long-term commitment to slope risk management, following earlier mapping projects carried out since 2017 covering Kota Kinabalu (155 km²), Ranau (380 km²) and Sandakan (10 km²), a combined total of 545 km² across the State.
“Our ongoing mapping work reflects the department’s commitment to providing comprehensive geoscientific data that supports safe land-use planning and sustainable development in Sabah.” Through the new 2025–2028 project, JMG aims to strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance slope risk management capacity and support long-term mitigation strategies to reduce the impacts of landslides, particularly in Kundasang’s highland zones, an area known for its tourism and agricultural activities.
“Our scientific approach is not merely about identifying risks; it’s about building shared understanding among agencies and communities on the importance of integrated slope management,” Francis said.
Ranau District Assistant Officer (Development Division) Farihah Mohd Jamian said the findings will greatly assist the district office in assessing future development proposals and ensuring public safety.
“This report provides valuable input for us to determine the suitability of new developments, particularly on slope areas.
“We also urge residents to maintain drainage systems and promptly report early signs of ground movement in their areas,” she said.
Farihah said the engagement session also allowed agencies and community representatives to exchange ideas on on-ground priorities and realistic mitigation actions, as well as raise awareness of geological hazards.
Organised by Sabah JMG, the programme served as a key platform for sharing scientific data and insights with technical agencies, local authorities and the media on the role of geoscience in landslide risk management.
With the launch of this new project, JMG hopes to further enhance Sabah’s preparedness against landslide risks in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani and the state’s commitment to sustainable development.
