KOTA KINABALU: A landslip that cut off a key road linking Sabah's west coast and the interior is expected to remain closed for at least two weeks for repairs, said Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
The state Works minister said the closure would depend on current uncertain weather conditions as well as the soil movements at the active landslide along the Keningau-Kimanis road that was closed since March 8.
He said there were now two landslides along the road, with the Public Works Department and contractors carrying out cleaning up and repairs.
"It will take time for them to rehabilitate the road and make it safe for motorists," he said.
Shahelmey said another from Beaufort to Sipitang, where severe flooding occurred when the river overflowed, is now passable after PWD built a temporary bypass.
As of Tuesday noon (March 11), the situation in most flood-hit areas is reportedly improving, with good weather reported in all affected areas.
However, some 4,530 people remained in evacuation centres in four districts - Beaufort, Membakut, Tenom, and Sook.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor visited victims in Membakut and Beaufort, where he said each victim will receive assistance of RM1,300 from the federal and state governments, with RM1,000 given by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and RM300 from the state government's Sabah Welfare Foundation.
“We feel for them especially since this is Ramadan month, and their homes have been affected by the floods.
"The weather is improving, and they may be able to go back to their houses when it is safe," he said after giving aid to victims at the Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Dun Banir relief centre in Beaufort.
