KOTA KINABALU: A landslide sent a boulder crashing onto Jalan Buli Sim-Sim in Sandakan on Thursday (April 3) morning, forcing the authorities to shut down a 500m stretch.
The boulder, measuring about 4m in height and 11m in length, is blocking the full width of the road.
No injuries were reported in the 10am incident, which occurred under clear skies and dry conditions, catching many by surprise.
Public Works Department (JKR) personnel at the scene said the landslide could have been triggered by long-term erosion, as the inner part of the rock had become hollow after years of water seepage.
“The rock was already weakened from within,” said one officer.
Locals noted that the rocks on the hillside had appeared unstable and weathered in recent weeks, raising concerns that a collapse was imminent.
JKR said it does not rule out the possibility of further landslides and will meet to decide if the road closure should remain in place.
Other agencies, including the police and Fire and Rescue Department, were at the scene to monitor the situation and reroute traffic.
Sim-Sim village chief Abdul Halim Osman said this was the third rockfall in the area, but by far the most serious.
“The crash was loud. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
“We were lucky this happened at around 10am, when there were fewer cars on the road and no school session.
"The previous incidents were smaller, but there was one near the surau years ago that claimed a life.
“We’re worried. Anything can happen when rocks fall near the road,” he added.
Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes until further notice.
