Remap geological structure of Sandakan to avoid landslides - geologist

SANDAKAN (Sabah): It is necessary to re-map the geological structure of Sandakan district in Sabah to identify high risk landslide prone areas, said Zamri Ramli, a geologist with the Sabah Mineral and Geosciences department.

He said the mapping effort was vital in order to avoid landslides in the district, especially when it rains continuously, just like what had happened several days ago.

Zamri said currently the department only had mapping research for the geological structure in the district from Tanah Merah in Jalan Leila up to Batu 4 area.

"A complete mapping can be used for reference by the Sandakan Municipality Council and developers to identify areas for development or otherwise. All future development plans in the district need to make a reference to the mapping research so that landslides can be prevented," he said during a briefing on natural disasters, here on Feb 1.

Zamri said a review on the mapping research was also necessary to be implemented in areas which were already developed including in the settlement. Sandakan Municipality Council President Datuk James Wong when met after the
briefing said his council would cover all landslide prone areas in the district with canvas.

"This is to reduce the possibility of landslides, particularly in the exposed slopes," he said. -Bernama