A tragic landslide struck Kampung Lereng Bukit in Miri on January 29, killing five people and overshadowing Chinese New Year celebrations in Sarawak. The victims, identified as Sazarena Arabi, 41; Fatimah Dawi, 71; Irsyad Syairah, 16; Nur Raisyah Syahirah, 8; and Nur Rania Syafiqah, 11, all lived in the same house. Two others survived, including a 17-year-old with a broken leg. The search and rescue operation ended late in the evening after finding the last victim.
The disaster prompted condolences from Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also urged caution due to ongoing rain warnings in Sarawak and Sabah. Authorities praised the quick response of the rescue teams and called for increased safety measures in hilly areas to prevent similar incidents.