KOTA BARU: Police are widening the restricted areas of a collapsed riverbank on Sungai Kelantan here for fear of further erosion, says state police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat.
He said the precautionary move was to prevent further erosion and its potential spread to surrounding areas.
Following an assessment of the site, he noted that the area continues to attract onlookers, many of whom come to take photographs and videos of the collapse.
"I have directed my officers to extend the restricted area to ensure the public remains at a safe distance," he said on Wednesday (Dec 18).
He also urged the public to stay clear of the site for their safety, as the area remains at risk of further collapse at any time.
In response, the Kelantan government has officially declared the collapsed area along the Sungai Kelantan riverbank a disaster zone.
Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan emphasised the need for urgent repairs to prevent further deterioration. He pointed out that the restoration efforts must be prioritised, as the location is a key tourist attraction.
"The Irrigation and Drainage Department is currently conducting inspections and studies to assess ongoing soil movement or erosion," he said.
"We are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not recur. However, there is no specific timeline set for the completion of the restoration work,” he said.
On Monday (Dec 16), nearly 50m of the Sungai Kelantan riverbank collapsed, causing significant damage to a pedestrian and recreational path frequently used by locals for leisure activities. The path fell by nearly 10m. - Bernama
