Collapse Of New Embankment Sparks Safety Concerns Among Villagers Ahead Of Monsoon

KUALA NERUS, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Barely a month after it was opened to the public, the embankment along Jalan T145 Mengabang Telipot–Batu Rakit has collapsed, sparking alarm among villagers of Kampung Tanjung Batu Rakit here.

The incident occurred late last night, with residents discovering that a section of the embankment had given way despite calm weather conditions.

The collapse has heightened concerns about the safety of the stretch, which remains incomplete even though traffic was already allowed through before the end of August.

Villagers said the embankment appeared to be unstable from the outset, and the failure so soon after opening has left many questioning the quality of the repair works.

With the northeast monsoon season approaching in early October, locals now fear worsening erosion and further damage.

Resident Mohd Zaki Ali, 57, said he was informed of the incident around 9 pm.

“I was shocked to learn how the embankment could collapse when the waves were not even strong at the time. Perhaps only about 90 per cent of the works had been completed, but less than a month later, it has already collapsed,” he said.

Another villager, Maimun Johar, 56, said she and her husband noticed the collapse while heading out to sea.

“We were shocked to see that part of the road had given way. It was so close to my house, and luckily, no one was injured as it was dark. The incident raised serious safety concerns with strong waves expected soon,” she said.

Retiree Wan Khalid Wan Abdullah, 70, who jogs daily in the area, urged the authorities to act quickly, as the monsoon was just around the corner, adding that the situation could get worse if no immediate repairs were done.

State Infrastructure, Utilities and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Hanafiah Mat said the Public Works Department (PWD) was investigating.

Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor, meanwhile, confirmed no casualties were reported. He said the collapse was believed to have been caused by erosion beneath the embankment and that the PWD, along with the contractor, had been instructed to close the affected section for safety.

-- BERNAMA