Repair works on the landslide-hit Keningau-Kimanis road are expected to take up to two weeks, pending weather conditions and ground stability, said Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.

The road remains closed to all vehicles after a landslide last Friday, cutting off a vital route across the Crocker Range that links the interior to Kota Kinabalu.

Shahelmey said ongoing heavy rain and unstable soil have slowed down efforts by the Public Works Department (JKR) and concession companies to clear debris and carry out repairs.

“We cannot reopen the road until it is completely safe for motorists,” he said after attending an iftar event organised by the Community Development Leadership Unit (UPPM) Sabah in Putatan on Monday night.

Authorities have received reports of motorists illegally moving roadblocks at KM14.3, a move Shahelmey described as reckless and dangerous.

“The barriers are there for a reason—to prevent accidents. The affected stretch is still unstable, and any attempt to bypass it could lead to disaster,” he warned.

He urged road users to follow official instructions and avoid the area until the repairs are complete.

During the event, Shahelmey distributed food aid baskets to 40 underprivileged families from the Petagas, Tanjung Keramat, and Tanjung Aru constituencies under the Putatan parliamentary area.

Putatan is the sixth location in the UPPM Sabah Iftar Tour, held in collaboration with Kim Teck Cheong (KTC) Berhad.

Also present were Petagas assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Datuk Awang Sahari, UPPM Sabah Director Datuk Awang Kadin Tang, and KTC Berhad Director Datuk Dexter Lau. – March 11, 2025