Call to review devt plans for highland resorts
KOTA KINABALU: Review the development plans for highland resorts in Ranau to avoid future disasters, urged Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Joachim, also Industrial Development Minister, said district officials need to take an immediate action to refer and review all plans to ensure the safety of visitors who will use the facility.
"The District Council needs to refer and review the development plan before starting development in the highlands.
"Failure to regulate development in the highlands can lead to mudslides that cover the surface and make the road muddy as it had occured in Kg Semuroh Kinandusan, Kundasang recently," he said.
Last Wednesday, the Mount Kinabalu National Park in Kundasang was closed due to the 150 meters long and 100 meters wide landslide occurring in nonresidential areas.
Meanwhile, in a survey done with Kundasang Community Leaders Unit (UPPM) officer, Joachim also found the village roads, especially, in Kg Semuroh Kinundusan, had been damaged by the recent continuous rainy weather.
Therefore, he said the village roads need to be repaired and appointed concessionaires need to do the repair works with urgency.
"There are also other damages such as landslides and sediments. It is hoped the concessionaires can carry out the road repair work here," he said.
Joachim advised the Kundasang residents to be vigilant against landslides and immediately leave their homes if there are signs of the disaster.
"Do not hesitate to save yourself in the event of a landslide, because we do not want any accident to happen," he said.