Sinkhole appears on key road connecting schools, housing areas

KOTA KINABALU: A sinkhole appeared on Sunday (Nov 28) along a road that connects three schools, as well as residential areas in Likas near here.

State authorities have immediately closed the section of the Jalan Teluk Likas road and advised motorists to use alternative feeder roads pending the necessary remedial works on the sinkhole that measured about 3m wide and at least 2m deep.

According to state Public Works Department director Datuk Ali Ahmad Hamid, temporary warning signs have been placed in the area to warn motorists.

They have also informed the Kota Kinabalu City Hall and other relevant departments.

The sinkhole appeared sometime around 11am Sunday and Internet users started sharing pictures of it to warn against using the road.

In one viral video, an unidentified man is heard saying that he was lucky to be able to stop his vehicle on time to avoid plunging into the sinkhole, while the vehicle behind him also managed to stop in time to avoid a collision.

There were no reports of any accidents following the discovery of the sinkhole.

Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin urged local authorities to take immediate action to redirect traffic in the area with schools opening on Monday (Nov 29).

"I urge the relevant authorities, including the Mineral and Geosciences Department, the Public Works Department (JKR), and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), to launch a joint operation to thoroughly investigate the cause of the massive sinkhole," he added.

Sabah has been experiencing heavy rains over the past two months.