Penang authorities report no further slope instability at Taman Seri Permai after a fatal landslide, but warn that prolonged rain may raise risks
GEORGE TOWN: The slope at Taman Seri Permai in Paya Terubong, which collapsed yesterday and claimed the life of a doctor, has shown no signs of further instability since the rain stopped last night.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said, however, that close monitoring remained necessary as continuous rainfall could weaken the soil structure and increase the risk of another incident.
“The developer has rerouted a water pipe to a safer location because water flowing down from the hill had not been channelled through the proper drainage system and was entering an area near the site.
“So far, the slope has shown no signs of instability, but we must remain cautious as prolonged rain could further weaken it,” he told reporters after chairing an MBPP meeting here today.
The landslide, which occurred at 8.36 am yesterday, claimed the life of Dr Wong Kar Lin, 73, who was buried under debris when the slope behind his house collapsed.
His wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 68, and mother-in-law, Wong Poh Lim, in her 80s, managed to escape
Rajendran said MBPP had also instructed the developer of the project to carry out mitigation works to improve safety at the site. MBPP engineers had also inspected the site with consultants to assess slope safety, particularly amid continuous rainfall.
He said an investigation into the incident would be conducted by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) together with the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), with the process expected to take at least three months, depending on conditions and the findings of the inspections.
On residents’ claims that they had previously lodged complaints with MBPP about the slope, he said the council had a WhatsApp group with residents to facilitate the forwarding of complaints to the developer for prompt action.
He said the developer had so far complied with the instructions and advice given, adding that MBPP had issued warning letters to the developer and contractor in September to step up safety measures at the construction site ahead of the transition into the Northeast Monsoon season.
Rajendran said the weather in October, which typically brings prolonged rainfall, increased the risk of slope failure as water seeped into the soil and weakened its structure.
“The landslide in Tanjung Bungah yesterday, which affected two cars, was not caused by construction work but involved an old slope that had deteriorated,” he said.
