S’wak govt mulls plans to relocate Kpg Lereng Bukit Miri villagers amid landslide risks

MIRI (Jan 31): The Sarawak government is considering plans to relocate Kampung Lereng Bukit villagers who are vulnerable to landslides.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the villagers would be moved to a safer location with proper housing and amenities, including a free bus service.

He said this initiative aligns with the state government’s policy to relocate vulnerable communities across the state who face threats to their lives and properties due to climate change-induced floods and landslides

“One of the Kampung Lereng Bukit landslide evacuees has requested for relocation in our meeting just now,” he told a press conference at the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Miri temporary evacuation centre (PPS) here today, which are sheltering 111 landslide and flood evacuees.

“The Land and Survey Department will identify a suitable location and I hope that when all infrastructure and housing are ready, the people will move,” he added.

He assured that compensation would be paid to the affected villagers, with the cost of their new homes being offset against the compensation, ensuring they can move in at no additional expense.

Abang Johari also noted that this is the third landslide incident at Kampung Lereng Bukit in his memory.

He recalled that some villagers had previously resisted relocation efforts during the tenure of former Chief Minister, the late Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, despite the evident risks.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari announced an additional RM10 million allocation in State Budget 2025 for the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to carry out infrastructure repairs on damaged roads and other facilities affected by widespread flooding, landslides, and erosion.

He also welcomed the federal government’s RM24 million allocation for Sabah and Sarawak to mitigate flood-related damages in both regions.

Earlier, Abang Johari received donations of food and essential items from Petronas and non-governmental organisations for distribution to the evacuees.

Accompanying Abang Johari were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, MRC Miri Chairman Datuk Patinggi Dr George Chan Hong Nam, and some other state Cabinet ministers.