KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) is closely monitoring key state roads that are prone to landslips and flooding, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Bung Moktar Radin said.

       He said the district engineers have been ordered to keep close tabs on the roads, especially in Sabah’s flood-hit northern and eastern districts.

       “I’ve asked JKR to be proactive and take the necessary action.

       “Roads, including slopes that are at risk, need to be monitored to ensure they are safe to be used and if there are signs of danger, engineers need to inform the Works Ministry for further action to be taken,” Bung, who is state Works Minister, said in a statement yesterday.

       He said warning signs must be put up at high-risk stretches to ensure that road users remain alert and are more careful when approaching or passing through the area.

       Bung also advised the public, especially those driving smaller vehicles, not to take any risk or go through flooded roads even though the roads “may look safe” as there could be hidden dangers.

       JKR, he added, will also update the public on any roads or bridges that have been affected by floods and landslides.

       Sabah roads were usually affected by landslips and severe flooding during heavy rains in the past.

       Meanwhile, state Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said they were sending food aid to people in five villages in Kota Marudu who were cut off by the floods.

       Shahelmey also said he was glad with the help being provided to the victims.

       “There is sufficient assistance given.

       “These include pillows and mattresses and space to cook,” he said while visiting flood victims at the temporary relief centre in Kota Marudu.

       Many areas in the northern Kota Marudu district saw floodwaters receded yesterday but local authorities have advised the evacuees to stay on at the relief centre in view of anticipated rains till today.