Jln Ulu Layar in Betong damaged due to landslide, strategies taken to combat soil erosion

Uggah (left) visiting the site of the landslide at Jalan Ulu Layar in Betong. Photo credit: Ukas

KUCHING, Jan 21: A landslide occurred around 3pm on Saturday (Jan 20), causing severe damage to a large portion of Jalan Ulu Layar in Betong.

As per a news report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the incident took place near the entrance to the long house of Nanga Mutok, Layar, Betong.

Upon receiving news of the incident, Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas promptly visited the site along with the Public Works Department (JKR) Betong Division to assess the impact of the landslide.

Ukas reported that the JKR Betong Division has taken proactive measures by installing lines and warning signs to alert the public about the potential risk of a recurrence of the landslide that could potentially lead to the complete closure of the road.

The next step, which is to repair the road, was also discussed and reflected in the statistics.

Earlier, Uggah and his entourage completed a survey of the landslide incident involving the banks of Sungai Layar, which are located behind the Sk St John Nanga Tiga student dormitory in Layar, Betong.

According to the news outlet, the survey aims to develop strategies to combat soil erosion, which is a leading cause of landslides in the area.

However, the landslide did not affect the student dormitory building.

Also present were Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu, Betong JKR Divisional engineer Jason Ng Boon Tuan, and Betong District council secretary Lister Clement Guwie. — DayakDaily