Sabah's Hidden Danger: Landslides Threaten Communities

Sabah Faces Landslide Risks: Expert Warns of Unstable Slopes Near Populated Areas Sandakan, Sabah, June 8, 2025 – A recent landslide incident in Bukit Sim Sim, Sandakan, has highlighted Sabah's vulnerability to geological disasters. Experts are warning of the significant risks posed by numerous unstable slopes located dangerously close to residential areas, main roads, and public infrastructure. Professor Dr. Rodeano Roslee, a geology expert from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), expressed serious concerns during an interview. "The reality is that these risky slopes are often located near populated settlements, main roads, and public infrastructure, including densely populated areas like Sandakan," he stated. The professor also highlighted the existence of significant cracks in the rock formations that have gone unmonitored for years. The report showed multiple locations in Sabah where landslides are a serious threat, including areas around Kampung Gas and Jalan Sisil in Sandakan, and along high-altitude roads in Kundasang and Keningau. The footage included images of large rocks that had fallen onto roads and the extensive measures being taken to mitigate the risk of further landslides. Professor Roslee urged for immediate mitigation measures, including the installation of safety nets and buffer zones in high-risk areas. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between technical agencies, local authorities, and universities to identify and monitor these areas effectively. The need for a more robust and comprehensive slope monitoring system was also emphasized. The report ended with a call for collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Sabah's communities.