KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has suspended a construction project after a 22-year-old worker was killed when he was buried by a three-metre landslide while laying pipes on campus yesterday.

In a statement, UMS said it views the incident seriously and had immediately mobilised its Security Division, Department of Development and Maintenance, and Centre for Occupational Safety and Health to assist with the initial response and coordinate with the relevant authorities.

"The university has also contacted the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Sabah regarding the incident.

"As a precautionary measure, the related project has been halted immediately until investigations are completed. UMS will also conduct a comprehensive safety audit on all ongoing projects."

UMS extended its condolences to the victim's family and assured them that appropriate assistance and support would be provided to them through the contractor involved.

"The safety and well-being of the campus community and all parties involved in projects remain a top priority.

"UMS is committed to strengthening monitoring and compliance with occupational safety and health regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"We also urge all parties to respect the sensitivity of the victim's family and to refrain from making speculation until the official investigation results are announced."

KUALA LUMPUR – Kerajaan perlu membangunkan sistem amaran awal gempa bumi di seluruh negara melalui amaran mudah alih dan siren bagi memperoleh maklumat tepat selain mempercepat tindakan segera demi keselamatan rakyat, demikian tegas Pengerusi Pertubuhan Ikatan Komuniti Selamat, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Beliau berkata, negara tidak mungkin bebas sepenuhnya daripada risiko seismik susulan beberapa siri gempa bumi kecil yang berlaku di Johor baru-baru ini termasuk gegaran yang dirasai di beberapa negeri berhampiran.

Lam Thye berkata, walaupun kebiasaannya gegaran di negara ini adalah kecil, ia tetap tidak dapat dijangka dan boleh mengakibatkan kerosakan serta menimbulkan panik sekiranya tidak bersedia.

“Justeru pemantauan lebih kukuh dengan memetakan semula garisan sesar di seluruh negara serta dipantau menggunakan teknologi seismik moden bagi mengesan risiko lebih awal.

“Selain itu, penguatkuasaan kod bangunan tahan gempa serta kerja-kerja pengukuhan pada sekolah, hospital dan infrastruktur awam mesti diutamakan.

“Pada masa yang sama, latihan kesiapsiagaan gempa bumi dan pendidikan keselamatan perlu dijadikan sebahagian daripada daya tahan komuniti di seluruh negara,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan media di sini, hari ini.

Dalam laporan media sebelum ini, beberapa gegaran direkodkan di Segamat pada 24 Ogos lalu iaitu pada jam 6.13 pagi dengan kekuatan 4.1 magnitud, diikuti keesokan harinya pada jam 8.59 pagi dengan bacaan 3.2 magnitud; 7.56 malam, Khamis (2.5) dan 4.24 pagi pada Jumaat (3.4).

Gempa bumi lemah berukuran 2.7 magnitud sekali lagi dikesan di Segamat pada jam 7.29 pagi pada 30 Ogos lalu.

“Dengan kewaspadaan, sistem amaran awal dan infrastruktur yang lebih kukuh, secara tidak langsung ia dapat memastikan rakyat sentiasa dimaklumkan, selamat dan bersedia menghadapi sebarang bencana alam,” katanya. – 7 September, 2025

LETTERS: I refer to Page 13 of today's New Straits Times on "low awareness of seismic risks".

Malaysia may not sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire, but recent minor earthquakes in Johor and tremors felt across several states show that we are not completely free from seismic risks.

While earthquakes here are generally small, they remain unpredictable and can cause damage and panic if we are unprepared.

We must acknowledge this reality and take proactive steps to "expect the unexpected." Key measures include:

1. Early Warning System – Malaysia must develop a nationwide earthquake early warning system using mobile alerts and sirens so that the public can receive timely information and act quickly.

2. Stronger Monitoring – Fault lines across the country must be re-mapped and monitored using modern seismic technology to detect risks early.

3. Safer Buildings – Enforcement of earthquake-resistant building codes and retrofitting of schools, hospitals, and public infrastructure must be prioritised.

4. Public Awareness – Earthquake preparedness drills and safety education should be integrated into community resilience programmes nationwide.

Malaysia cannot prevent earthquakes, but we can reduce their risks and impacts.

With vigilance, early warnings, and stronger infrastructure, we can keep our people informed, safe, and prepared in the face of natural hazards.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Chairman Alliance for a Safe Community

LAWAS, 7 Sept: Tiada pusat pemindahan sementara (PPS) dibuka susulan banjir kilat yang berlaku di kawasan Trusan sejak Sabtu.

Ketua Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat (BBP) Lawas, Clarence D. Primus Tiandun berkata, sepasukan anggota dikerah ke lokasi kira-kira 20 kilometer dari balai selepas menerima panggilan kecemasan pada jam 10.17 pagi.

“Setibanya di lokasi, pasukan bomba mendapati memang berlaku kejadian banjir seperti dilaporkan. Anggota kita melakukan pemantauan menggunakan seunit bot penyelamat dan mendapati paras air semakin surut serta keadaan terkawal.

“Tiada pemindahan mangsa dilakukan dan tiada PPS dibuka,” katanya dalam kenyataan hari ini.

Beliau berkata, selepas memastikan keadaan selamat, operasi pemantauan ditamatkan pada jam 12.05 tengah hari.-TVS