KUALA LUMPUR: Weak soil structure and steep slopes have been identified as the main factors behind the series of deadly landslides in Sabah, amid continuous rain.
Since Sept 11, a total of 13 people have perished in the natural disaster.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) senior lecturer in Geohazards, Dr Goh Thian Lai, said the area is characterised by steep slopes and unstable geological materials, such as coastal alluvium.
“The geological material in the area is weak and unstable, making it prone to slope failure,” he said.
His comments come as Sabah is being battered by continuous rain, especially along its west coast, triggering widespread floods and multiple landslides.
The worst landslide incident occurred in Kampung Cenderakasih, Inanam, where a landslide flattened a wooden house in a hilly squatter settlement. Seven family members died.
Goh said that landslides are not only influenced by natural factors but also by human activities.
“This tragedy was also driven by uncontrolled development in slope areas. Construction of buildings above and below slopes increases exposure to landslide risks, especially in areas already identified as high-risk,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
In this case, Goh said heavy rainfall was identified as the main trigger.
“Heavy rain does not only cause slope failure but also accelerates the weakening of slopes that are already structurally weak,” he said.
Goh added that immediate inspections and warnings must be issued to residents in affected areas.
“To reduce the risk of similar incidents, there are immediate and long-term preventive measures that must be taken by the authorities as well as the public,” he said.
Goh also said climate change and more frequent earthquakes could heighten the risk of landslides in Sabah.
“Climate change, which brings prolonged heavy rainfall, is expected to increase the risk of landslides, particularly in areas with steep slopes and weak geological materials.
“In addition, the rising frequency of earthquakes in Sabah could further weaken soil structures and trigger more landslides,” he warned.
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