Paya Terubong landslide site needs close monitoring, says MBPP

The site of the fatal landslide in Paya Terubong which killed a doctor yesterday needs close monitoring as prolonged rainfall could weaken the soil and trigger another incident, says the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

Mayor A Rajendran said the slope had shown no signs of further instability since the rain stopped last night, but warned that continued wet weather could increase the risk of another landslide, Bernama reported.

MBPP issued a stop-work order yesterday for the development of a condominium and several roads near the site of the landslide, instructing the developer to carry out mitigation works to improve safety at the location.

Council engineers had also inspected the area with consultants to assess the slope’s stability, particularly amid continued rainfall, said Rajendran.

“The developer has rerouted a water pipe to a safer location because water flowing down the hill was not 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 in George Town today.

Dr Wong Kar Lin, 73, died after being buried in debris when the slope behind his house in Taman Seri Permai, Paya Terubong, collapsed at about 8.30am yesterday.

His wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 68, and mother-in-law, Wong Poh Lim, who is in her 80s, managed to escape.

Rajendran said the occupational safety and health department and the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia would investigate the incident.

The investigation is expected to take at least three months, depending on conditions and the findings of the inspections.

Responding to residents’ claims that they previously complained to MBPP about the slope, Rajendran said the council had set up 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.

MBPP also issued warning letters to the developer and contractor in September, urging them to strengthen safety measures at the construction site ahead of the northeast monsoon season.

Rajendran said October’s typically prolonged rainfall increased the risk of slope failure as water seeped into the soil and weakened its structure.

He said the landslide in Tanjung Bungah yesterday which affected two cars was not caused by construction work but involved an old slope that had deteriorated.

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