‘Landslides in Tanah Rata not caused by land encroachment’

The landslides and flash floods in several areas in Cameron Highlands on Sunday were not caused by land encroachment activities.

Cameron Highlands district police chief, DSP Hasadid A Hamid said they were due to abnormal rainfall, causing soil movements at the hill slopes that day.

He said that according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Tanah Rata received over 100mm of rain, compared to the normal 20mm, when it rained from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday.

“Investigations by the police, Public Works Department, district council and the Fire and Rescue Department found that the flash floods and landslides were caused by the extraordinary downpour,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters at a landslide location which affected Tenaga Nasional Berhad's (TNB) holiday bungalow, ‘The Sharples’, in Tanah Rata, today.

In the incident on Sunday, the landslide damaged the front portion of the bungalow and four vehicles but there was no loss of life.

Landslides and falling trees also took place at Km55 Tapah-Tanah Rata road, near the Bharat Tea Plantation; KM59 Tapah-Tanah Rata road, near the Oly Apartment; and Jalan Perdah, while the police housing at Tanah Rata was inundated by a flash flood.

“All the locations which experienced flash floods and landslides have been reopened and safe for all vehicles except at The Sharples,” said Hasadid.

He said police had received three reports to date, on the incidents and a full investigation report could be obtained within three months.

“But I reiterate, that the incidents have nothing to do with land encroachments as there are no activities which flout the law on the hills,” he said.

- Bernama