Hillside residents in Kundasang advised to take extra care after Mt Kinabalu landslips

KOTA KINABALU: People, especially those staying on or near hillslopes in the Kundasang highlands, some 100km from here, have been advised to take extra precautions in light of the present rainy period.

Ranau Fire and Rescue station chief Ridwan Mohd Taib issued the advice following the landslides that occurred on Mount Kinabalu on Sunday (June 23).

“Take safety measures when you notice signs of landslips but don’t panic,” he said, when contacted on Monday (June 24).

“If you’re at home and spot hints that a landslip might happen, leave the house and contact the authorities for an inspection,” he added.

He explained that these signs could be cracks or erosion on the soil.

Ridwan said the advice also goes out to homestay or resort operators at Mesilau, which is located at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu.

“Take precautions to ensure everyone’s safety is prioritised,” he said.

He added that they were still monitoring the situation following the landslip on Mount Kinabalu including the water flow at the Mesilau river which had been somewhat affected by the incident.

The Mesilau area has a thriving tourism industry with plenty of hillside homestays and resorts which receive a significant number of visitors including on weekdays and particularly on weekends and public holidays.

Landslides were triggered on the mountain after heavy rain in the highlands over the past two days.

The first incident was reported at around 1.20am on Sunday, followed by another later and a mud flow at about 5am on one side of the mountain.

Videos that captured one of the landslides have been circulating on social media since Monday (June 24).

In the clips, what looks like a mix of debris and mud could seen rushing down the mountain.

Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim said, however, that no injuries or property damage were reported in the incidents, which occurred in Ulu Sungai in the Mesilau locality in Kundasang highlands.

According to a seven-day forecast in the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) website, there would be continuous isolated rain and thunderstorms in Ranau from Monday up to Sunday (June 30).