SERIAN: A temporary alternative route has been constructed to restore access along Jalan Song Sipan, Temalat in Song district, following a landslide which severely disrupted connectivity between Kanowit and Song.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the landslide initially affected only half the road but worsened over time, causing nearly the entire stretch to collapse.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, he said the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) swiftly responded by setting up an alternative dirt road, which will soon be reinforced with stones for improved safety.
“I appreciate Sarawak PWD for their prompt and swift action. I was shown a video confirming that an alternative passable route has already been set up as a temporary road.
“I was informed that it will soon be reinforced with stones to prevent slipperiness. Tomorrow, I will visit the site,” the Kapit MP said.
He told the media this when visiting the flood-affected section of the Pan Borneo Highway in Serian today.
Nanta reassured that the Pan Borneo Highway is designed to withstand flood-related issues and poses no risk of collapse.
However, he acknowledged that certain low-lying areas might still experience flooding if nearby rivers overflow, though landslides remain unlikely.
He also suggested that Sarawak could explore adopting a federal approach, where concessionaire companies are appointed to expedite the construction of temporary routes in the event of major road damage.
“This method enables companies to act immediately without waiting for budget approvals. While Sarawak doesn’t have such concessionaires, I have personally observed how well Sarawak PWD operates. They act swiftly and efficiently,” he said.
Sarawak PWD director Dr Cassidy Morris echoed this commitment, saying that his team will continue to take immediate action in landslide-prone areas by constructing diversions and ensuring roads remain safe for public use.
“We act swiftly by creating diversions and ensuring that the roads are safe for public use,” he explained.
