Collapse of houses due to soil movements

KUANTAN: Two houses in Taman Gambang Damai here, collapsed early this morning, believed to be due to hillslope soil movements as a result of continuous rain since Saturday.

Kuantan district police chief ACP Mohamad Noor Yusof Ali said the incident, however, did not cause any death or injury because the occupants were believed to have already moved when it occurred at 3.40 am.

"Currently, the relevant quarters are conducting an investigation to identify the real cause of the incident and surrounding residents were instructed to vacate their houses," he told Bernama when he visited the scene of the incident.

Meanwhile, Pahang Local Government and Housing Committee chairman Datuk Abd Rahim Muda, when met by reporters said, movements of the soil was most likely due to the flow of water of a nearby tributary.

He said the Minerals and Geosciences Department Malaysia which was conducting inspections and investigations was expected to submit a report on the cause of the incident within a week.

"So far, 26 houses are categorised as at risk and the occupants are housed at Bukit Gambang Resort apart from some who chose to stay elsewhere. They will only be allowed to return after we are satisfied the area is completely safe," he said.

Meanwhile, Pahang Local Government and Housing Committee chairman Datuk Abd Rahim Muda, when met by reporters said, movements of the soil was most likely due to the flow of water of a nearby tributary.

He said the Minerals and Geosciences Department Malaysia which was conducting inspections and investigations was expected to submit a report on the cause of the incident within a week.

"So far, 26 houses are categorised as at risk and the occupants are housed at Bukit Gambang Resort apart from some who chose to stay elsewhere. They will only be allowed to return after we are satisfied the area is completely safe," he said.