Several families in Kampung Tuarid Taud, Keningau, are watching the ground beneath their homes disappear as the riverbank continues to erode with each downpour.

Recent heavy rain has caused sections of the embankment to collapse, bringing homes dangerously close to the widening Sungai Pamaalan.

The village, home to around 700 people, has seen at least 10 houses or at least 100 people affected by the erosion. 

Sungai Pamaalan, a tributary of the Crocker Range, flows into the main Sungai Pegalan downstream.

Residents say the problem is worsened by an active sand mining quarry near the Pegalan River, which they believe is accelerating erosion.

“Every time it rains, we fear our home will be next,” said Raimin Rahimin, a resident whose house is at risk.

“The current is strong, and the riverbank is shrinking fast. We’ve been asking for gabion walls to be installed for a long time, but nothing has been done.”

Villagers say local authorities, including the Bingkor Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), have long been aware of the issue. However, no permanent solution has been implemented.

As a temporary measure, Bingkor Warisan coordinator Benedict Martin Gunir donated five boxes of gabions and a truckload of large stones to slow the erosion. While residents appreciate the effort, they stress it is not enough.

They are now calling on the state government to intervene before it is too late.

“The authorities need to act now before our homes are lost,” said another resident.

With climate change driving more frequent heavy rains and floods in Sabah, villagers worry the situation will only get worse.

“We need a permanent solution, not just temporary fixes,” said Raimin. “If nothing is done, our homes will be gone.” – January 31, 2025