IPOH: Continuous rainfall over two weeks weakened the stability of the hillslope at Section 27 of Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands, causing the landslide that killed two people.
Perak Public Works Department (PWD) deputy director Hamdan Ali said a high amount of rainwater was recorded over the last two weeks.
"We recorded 217ml of rainwater for two weeks and it is still continuing.
"The rainfall weakened the slopes," he told a press conference near the incident site on Friday (Dec 3).
"This is the first time a landslide has occurred at this stretch.
"We did not expect the landslide to happen here," he added.
The landslide, which occurred at about 1.40pm on Thursday (Dec 2), buried a lorry transporting vegetables and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
Two victims had been dug out and identified as lorry driver Muhammad Hafiz Hamdi, 31, from Tanjung Piandang in Parit Buntar and Tan Chee Heng, 36, who drove the MPV.
Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley was closed off to motorists following the incident.
Hamdan said it would take about a week to clear away the high volume of debris.
"If the weather permits, we expect the road to be reopened on Dec 9.
"We will open just one lane first and will continue to monitor the slopes from time to time," he said, adding that the affected slope was stable for now.
"Clean-up work is still minimal as search and rescue operations are ongoing," he added.
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