KOTA BELUD: President of the National Unity Organisation of Sabah (PERPADUAN) Gundohing Jack Giau has called on the Sabah Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) to refill the riverbanks that were excavated or deepened by a sand mining firm.
He said that, based on observations in certain areas of the Kadamaian River, the riverbanks have reached a depth of 12 feet, posing significant risks to individuals who are not proficient swimmers.
Jack mentioned that the company holding the previous concession appears to have conducted sand mining activities without adhering to the established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“I previously opposed these mining activities on June 27, 2024, when I invited the Assistant Minister of Agriculture Sabah, Datuk Peto Galim, to visit the site.
“During a dialogue session, the Assistant Minister requested that the new sand mining activities be halted, as the concession had already expired or been revoked in December 2023.
“I also sought clarification from the JPS engineer, who informed me that JPS had not been notified about any approvals for river excavation after December 2023,” he said in a statement today.
Jack made the remarks following a tragic incident involving a 16-year-old female student in Form 4, who is believed to have drowned while swimming near Pirasan, around 3:30 PM on Sunday.
Search and rescue operations commenced immediately, but the victim has yet to be found, with efforts set to continue on Monday.
According to him, PERPADUAN viewed the incident very seriously, especially since the accident occurred just 500 meters from the residence of the PERPADUAN president.
“I urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to refill and repair the damaged riverbanks over a distance of 1 kilometre from Piasau Village to Rangalau Village.
“This is crucial as the riverbanks in that area are severely eroded and pose a significant danger,” he added.
