KOTA KINABALU: After collapsing under days of heavy rain and strong river currents, the Kaiduan low-level crossing will get a permanent solution, with the government pledging to restore road access for Papar villagers.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Papar MP said the structure had long been a lifeline for residents of Kampung Besuang and Kampung Kaiduan, but could no longer withstand the extreme weather that hit the district.
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He explained that on Sept 8, a team had already cleared most of the culverts nearby after they became blocked by rocks, logs and other debris washed down from upstream.
Just five days later, on Saturday (Sept 13), torrential rain and strong currents caused more blockages and severe erosion, which eventually destroyed the crossing.
“Villagers now depend on a suspension bridge, but this is only a stopgap measure,” Armizan told reporters after visiting displaced residents at a temporary relief centre in Kinarut on Tuesday (Sept 16).
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“We need a proper structure that is safe and durable, because the river flow here is very strong even during normal weather, let alone during continuous rain.
“The federal and state governments will work together with technical agencies to identify the best permanent solution.
“This is not just about daily travel; it affects villagers’ livelihoods, economic activities, and tourism in Kaiduan.”
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Armizan, who will be inspecting the site with Limbahau assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim and technical teams, stressed that the new crossing must be designed with stronger specifications to withstand extreme conditions.
He also gave updates on the wider situation in Papar, which has been battered by floods and landslides after nearly 10 days of heavy rain.
As of 10am on Tuesday, a total of 215 people from 63 families had been evacuated to three temporary relief centres.
These include 116 people from 34 families at the Papar Community Hall, 77 people from 24 families at Lok Kawi Heights hall, and 22 people from five families at Kampung Mook community hall.
Road access in the district has also been badly hit, with 18 roads cut off, 12 because of flash floods and six from landslides.
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Four roads have since reopened, but Kampung Sabandil and Kampung Bungug remain cut off and are now receiving aid by boat.
Power supply in some areas was also disrupted after a substation was damaged, and repair work is underway to restore electricity.
A total of 15 schools in Papar were affected by the floods, but Armizan said the Education Ministry and district Education Office are working to ensure classes can resume once the school holidays end on Monday (Sept 22).
He also expressed sorrow over two landslides in Papar that claimed five lives, three in Kampung Marahang Tuntul, including Wong Moi Ling, 34, and her two children, Kemiey Asphereynda Benny, 10, and Christen Kell Benny, six; and two in Kampung Mook, 38-year-old Emily Johnny and her 11-year-old son, Xarell Myre.
The state government has pledged RM10,000 in aid for each victim’s family, and temporary housing will be provided to support the bereaved.
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At present, they are sheltering in village halls, but arrangements are being made to relocate them to safer accommodation, either in People’s Housing Project (PPR) flats or rented houses, while risk assessments are carried out on their homes.
Armizan, who is also the federal Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, reminded those living near rivers and slopes to put safety first and evacuate early if heavy rain persists.
“Do not wait until the last minute. If you are at risk, move to a safe place as soon as possible, whether it is to a relative’s house or a relief centre.
“Bring your important documents and belongings with you. Safety must always come before everything else,” he stressed.
He also thanked the Fire and Rescue Department, police, armed forces, Civil Defence Force, Rela, Social Welfare Department and other agencies for their round-the-clock efforts in rescue and relief operations.
“For now, our two top priorities are to ensure aid reaches villages cut off by floods and to evacuate residents whose homes are at risk of being hit by rising water or landslides,” he said.
