Erosion: Graves in Muslim cemetery collapse into Sarawak river

KUALA LUMPUR (June 26): More than 100 graves in a Muslim cemetery in Seruai, Spaoh district, Sarawak have collapsed into the Sungai Saribas owing to soil erosion

According Batang Lupar PKR branch chief Abang Zulkifli Engkeh, the soil erosion is believed to be caused by sand mining and dredging activities in and around the Sungai Saribas carried out by a private company, Bernama reported yesterday. 

The soil erosion was discovered by relatives of those interned in the cemetery two weeks ago.

Abang Zulkifli said sand dredging and pumping activities from  Sungai Saribas should be halted immediately as it would affect residents in up to nine villages along the river.

Bernama reported that the affected villages are Kampung Spaoh, Kampung Bungin, Kampung Belingan, Kampung Sebemban, Kampung Tanjung Asam, Kampung Serembang, Kampung Budak, Kampung Supa and Kampung Mangut.

He also said that several schools are at risk of collapsing into Sungai Saribas owing to the soil erosion. 

Abang Zulkifli has also lodged a police report on the incident at the Gita Police Station yesterday so that a probe and action can be taken by the Sarawak Land and Survey Department, Natural Resources and Environment Board, Sarawak River Board and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.