Bertam Valley Residents Urge Authorities To Build Retaining Wall

CAMERON HIGHLANDS, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- The residents of Kampung Lembah Bertam are urging the authorities to build a retaining wall and a wider irrigation canal to prevent possible recurrences of mudslides.

Village head Wong Fook Shai, 56, said such a move was necessary as heavy rains frequently caused mudslides at the river banks.

"The authorities should build a retaining wall first and then widen the river. If not the situation will get worse as the floods will cause mudslides which will destroy our farms," he told Bernama here today.

Wong, who has been the village head since 2009, said the tragedy which occurred on Wednesday was the worst ever experienced by the villagers.

The Bertam valley, Ringlet mudslide occurred about 1 am yesterday morning. The released water from the Sultan Abu Bakar caused the Bertam River to burst its banks. Three people died, one was injured, one is still missing and 80 houses and about 100 vehicles were damaged.

Wong, who has lived in the valley for more than 50 years, said the residents were trying to estimate their losses in order to apply for some assistance.

Meanwhile, a Bernama survey at the Ringlet community hall found that all the victims were left with only the clothes on their backs.

According to Margaret Roslin, 48, she heard the warning siren about midnight signaling the release of water from the dam.

"When I heard the second siren I grabbed my kids and ran. My house was right in front, so I saw it being washed away," she said.

A Pahang Social Welfare Department spokesman said as of 3 pm today 87 victims from 21 families have been housed at the relief centre.

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Bertam Valley Residents Urge Authorities To Build Retaining Wall