Sungai Ruil landslide victims to be placed in govt quarters early next month, says Jakoa

PUTRAJAYA: The victims of the landslide that occurred on Oct 12 in Sungai Ruil, Cameron Highlands, involving 17 Orang Asli families, will soon be relocated to several government and statutory body quarters nearby by early next month, as per the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa).

Jakoa mentioned that they had identified the buildings and held discussions with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to house the victims as soon as the issues regarding facilities like electricity and water supply connections are sorted out.

According to Jakoa, a report on the preliminary investigation into the technical aspects by the Public Works Department (JKR) in early November found that it would take over RM3mil and two years to repair the collapsed slope.

“This includes work to strengthen and stabilize slopes in the surrounding area by JKR, which expects to complete and hand over the project in November 2025,” Jakoa stated in response to allegations that they did not take significant action to resolve the issue.

Senator Datuk Ajis Sitin appealed for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to help the 88 Orang Asli who are still in temporary settlements and have yet to return to their respective homes.

Ajis stressed the need for immediate action to repair the collapsed slope and affected houses so that the residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.

“Jakoa will continue to assist the affected Orang Asli families to ensure their welfare is protected so that they can carry on with their daily lives although they have to stay at the temporary settlement,” Jakoa added.

The incident, caused by broken underground pipes and the frequency of rain, especially at night, resulted in damage to six houses and three motorcycles. The residents were instructed to vacate their premises for fear of their safety and are still being housed at the temporary evacuation centre at Dewan Kampung Sungai Ruil.- Bernama