Assemblyman Calls for Early Warning System After Landslide at Puncak Arabella Apartments, Cameron Highlands

CAMERON HIGHLANDS (Nov 29): Tanah Rata assemblyman Ho Chi Yang has urged the government to consider installing disaster early warning systems in high-risk areas, particularly on residential slopes, following a landslide near Block C of the Puncak Arabella Apartments on Friday night.

“The government has installed early warning systems on some slopes, but the landslide shows that certain areas still lack such protection. It is my plan, and I hope the government’s, to add more systems to detect ground movement and ensure the slopes in Cameron Highlands are safe,” Ho said after visiting residents at the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Puncak Arabella Hall.

The landslide, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall, cut off access to the apartment’s entrance, affecting 346 houses and putting 28 units in a precarious condition. Five families totaling 19 residents have been temporarily relocated to the PPS.

Ho confirmed that the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Mineral and Geoscience Department (JMG) are investigating the site and assessing the safety of slopes before residents can return.

Resident R. Parthipan, 48, described the harrowing moments when his wife and children fled their unit as the hillside collapsed.

“My wife quickly bundled our three children and my 80-year-old father-in-law into the car and drove to safety. It was really frightening… the road was cut off, and I could only communicate by phone,” he said.

Ho added that studies are ongoing on federal and state roads to identify additional high-risk locations suitable for early warning systems, aiming to enhance slope safety across the highland region.