BEAUFORT: A slope improvement project costing RM5.5 million is being implemented to ensure the safety of road users following erosion along the banks of the Padas River at Km 0.75, in Kampung Binunuk, here.
Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam said the project, which began in November last year, is expected to be completed by February 2027.
He said the 250-metre project is crucial to counter critical erosion that has been occurring along the Padas River banks over the past five years.
“In 2023, I requested the Public Works Department (JKR) to conduct an assessment of the situation before bringing the matter to the Chief Minister to seek emergency funding.
“Praise be to God, the allocation was approved by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor earlier this year,” he said after officiating the ground-breaking ceremony for the Slope Improvement Project at Kg Binunuk, on Tuesday (Jan 6).
Ruslan, who is also Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, said the road is the main route for more than 2,000 residents of Kg Binunuk and Kg Balibata.
“The route is frequently flooded during the monsoon season or after heavy rain, submerging the road which runs alongside the Padas River.
“The Government’s efforts through this project will certainly bring many benefits, especially in ensuring the safety of road users along the main route to the town,” he said.
Ruslan revealed that there are two other Padas River bank slopes requiring similar improvement works, namely in Kg Lumatai and Kg Suasa.
He said both locations along the river are also in critical conditions, particularly Kg Suasa, which requires immediate action to ensure residents’ safety.
“As such, I will request the JKR to conduct similar studies at both locations in the near future so that the projects can be implemented next year,” he said.
