Joniston inspecting affected Jalan Tamparuli – Kiulu near Kampung Malangang, which is closed after part of the stretch collapsed.
Jalan Kiulu-Lawa Mandau near Pekan Kiulu.
Joniston…tourism industry, already faced losses exceeding RM200,000 due to tour cancellations.
KOTA KINABALU : – Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has raised serious concerns regarding the inconveniences and
Two key roads, Jalan Tamparuli-Kiulu near Kampung Malangang and Jalan Kiulu-Lawa Mandau near Pekan Kiulu, have been severely affected, disrupting access and significantly impacting the community and the local tourism sector.
During a site visit, Joniston, alongside Public Works Department (JKR) contractors, assessed the situation and was informed that the subsidence on Jalan Tamparuli-Kiulu is substantial, with repairs expected to take over two weeks.
He was also accompanied by local community leaders and Kiulu Tourism Association president Mejin Maginggow.
In light of these developments, the Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister reached out to Deputy Chief Minister cum Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmy Yahya to urge expedited repair efforts.
“I’m thankful to the Deputy Chief Minister for taking note of our concern and referring the matter to the JKR for action,” Joniston said.
Joniston also thank the Tuaran district JKR office for taking proactive action to ensure the safety of road commuters.
He stressed the importance of swift action to restore access and support the local economy, particularly the tourism industry, which has already faced losses exceeding RM200,000 due to tour cancellations.
“Tour operators in Kiulu are experiencing a significant downturn, as travel agents have categorised the area as high-risk following the landslides.
“Cancellations have impacted a range of outdoor activities, and if repairs are not completed promptly, the financial consequences could worsen,” he said.
Joniston also urged JKR and concession contractors to regularly monitor the roads in Kiulu to enable immediate action if there are signs of potential landslides or subsidence.
“This is to prevent further incidents and ensure safety for commuters, particularly students,” he said, emphasising the necessity of collaboration between local authorities and the government to mitigate the impact.
Meanwhile, Mejin echoed these concerns, stating that the longer the repairs take, the more significant the losses for the tourism industry, which relies heavily on nature-based activities.
