DID, JKR told to conduct study on collapsed retaining wall in Pasir Mas

PASIR MAS: The Kelantan state government has requested the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and the Public Works Department (JKR) to conduct further studies and take immediate action to repair the collapsed retaining wall on Sungai Kelantan riverbank at Kampung Jalan Pohon Celagi here, early this morning.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said speedy action should be taken as soil movement was still detected in the area and he hoped the problem would be resolved before the monsoon season in November.

"This matter needs to be studied in-depth, including what caused the soil movement. I was told that the wall was built in the '80s and is now 40 years old," he told reporters here after visiting the area, today.

Ahmad said all 50 villagers from 15 families were evacuated to the Pasir Mas District Council Hall for their safety.

"We will also look into a short-term approach that can be taken to save the villagers' property," he said.

The 200 metres wall collapsed between 2.30 am and 6.30 am believed to be caused by the overflowing water of Sungai Kelantan, affecting one villager's house, but no fatalities were reported.

-- BERNAMA