MORE than 20 Orang Asli families of the Temiar tribe, in four villages in Pos Hendrop, have been left stranded following a landslide that cut off roads to the settlements.

Residents Yusof Angah, 42, said he was sending his two children from their home in Kampung Hanir to SK Pos Hendrop at 6.45am when he was blocked by the debris.

He said the landslide occurred in the middle of the route to the village.

“The incident happened far from the village, so we did not hear any noise last night. I had to turn back as the road was completely impassable for vehicles including motorcycles.

“I alerted residents of Kampung Hanir, Kampung Gere, Kampung Perlug and Kampung Tuel about the incident on my way home,” he said.

Another resident, Zakaria Pinang, 48, said he was thankful the incident did not cause any casualties.

“It is unimaginable if the landslide occurred as we were passing through to take children to school,” he said.

Kampung Hanir chief Razak Rongging, 41, said continuous rain since last week might have caused the landslide, and hoped authorities would repair the road soon.

He said the incident has affected around 500 residents and hawkers have been unable to enter the settlements.

Kelantan and Terengganu Orang Asli Development Department director Zarina Razlan said landslides were common there as the hillside is near a waterway.

“We advise residents to be careful, especially during the northeast monsoon season,” she said. – Bernama, November 26, 2023.