BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days has triggered flooding and landslides in several parts of the country, including a landslide at the Luagan Kelupang Muslim Cemetery in Kampong Sinaut, Tutong District.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of religious premises, with several schools, mosques and cemeteries under the supervision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs affected by the persistent wet weather.
Following the landslide at the cemetery, relevant authorities, including the Fire and Rescue Department, the National Disaster Management Centre, the Tutong District Office under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Public Works Department under the Ministry of Development, and the Buildings and Maintenance Division of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, inspected the affected site Friday (Jan 9).
As an immediate preventive measure, the affected area at the cemetery has been covered with canvas to prevent further soil movement and worsening of the situation.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs said it is continuing to monitor the situation through its departments and divisions, while conducting initial assessments of all affected premises to ensure safety, welfare and the continuity of operations.
Follow-up actions will be carried out based on the assessment findings, in coordination with relevant agencies.
The public, particularly school communities and mosque congregants, are advised to remain vigilant, prioritise safety and comply with any instructions or updates issued by the authorities.
The ministry also expressed concern for those affected and called for prayers for improved weather conditions and the easing of the situation. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
