In dire straits: The damaged hillside at the Orang Asli Sungai Ruil settlement in Cameron Highlands seen from a distance. — Bernama
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The procurement period to repair the slope at the Orang Asli settlement in Sungai Ruil, Tanah Rata, near here, which was affected by a landslide on Oct 12, will be shortened, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the move will be taken to expedite the repair of the slope, which is expected to take two years and involves an allocation of RM3mil.
“Since the period for the design and procurement as well as completion is too long, the government, through the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, will take action to obtain special approval to shorten the procurement period with methods approved by the Finance Ministry,” he told reporters after visiting the site of the landslide yesterday, Bernama reported.
The landslide, which occurred at 10.56am, was identified to have been caused by broken underground pipes and the frequency of rain, especially at night.
It was reported that six houses and three motorcycles were damaged in the incident and the residents were instructed to vacate their premises for safety reasons.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) will fully bear the rental costs of the Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) quarters, which will be used to house the 17 Orang Asli families from next month. TNB has agreed to lease the quarters for RM500 per unit and waive the three-month rental deposit, he said, adding that the affected Orang Asli families will stay there for two years pending repair of the slope.
