Tanah Rata floods, landslides not linked to bypass project

On September 11, flash floods and landslides struck various parts of Tanah Rata, but these natural disasters were not the result of the bypass project, according to the Public Works Department (PWD). The PWD made this clear in a statement, noting that the bypass road project is still in the design and assessment study phase, with no physical construction work carried out thus far.

The department emphasized that any claims linking the floods to the bypass project were inaccurate. This response came after heavy rain led to landslides, soil erosion, and flash floods across the region on September 11.

An environmentalist has called for the suspension of all works related to the bypass project until a thorough assessment of the slope stability, geological conditions, drainage system, and disaster risks in the area is completed. The PWD also mentioned that the project includes constructing the Tanah Rata bypass road, upgrading a federal road from Tanah Rata to Kea Farm, and upgrading another federal road called Jalan Griddle.

These floods were reported to have occurred on secondary roads that are not part of the main road alignment for the bypass project.

A small landslide occurred at Jalan Tengkolok, which is within the scope of routine maintenance by the project contractor. This debris was cleared promptly, ensuring the safety and smooth movement of road users. The PWD stressed its seriousness in addressing all concerns regarding slope safety, geological conditions, drainage systems, and disaster risks. The project must meet all relevant assessments, approvals, and technical requirements set by the authorities before any physical construction work can commence.