KUALA BERANG: The relevant authorities have been instructed to intensify monitoring of landslide-prone areas along hill slopes throughout the Northeast Monsoon season, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced. This directive aims to prevent incidents like the recent landslide in Kampung Bukit Apit, Ajil, which resulted in the tragic death of two sisters, and to avert further landslides in the area.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the issues relating to landslides fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG). A team from the department will be dispatched to the site of the recent landslide to assess potential risks, including the presence of any underground water flows that could trigger additional slides. Dr Ahmad Zahid conveyed this information to reporters following his visit to the family of the deceased sisters and his inspection of the landslide site, accompanied by several government departments and agencies.

During his visit, Ahmad Zahid, who
also serves as the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, provided donations to the victims’ mother, Ruziah Fuad, 46. She is presently residing in a new rented house arranged by the state government. Furthermore, he advised the public, especially those residing in hilly areas, to exercise caution during the monsoon season. He emphasized the need for all parties to be prepared, as the upcoming monsoon season is anticipated to be more severe than the one experienced in 2014, potentially affecting not only the East Coast states but also other regions.

The landslide incident resulted in the deaths of sisters Puteri Sajidah, 16, and Siti Fatimah, 13, who were found buried under the debris. Their eldest sister, Uzair Azman, 17, was rescued from beneath a concrete wall in the living room area.