SAM says it warned Penang before the Paya Terubong landslide

Environmental group Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) says it warned Penang about hill cutting in Paya Terubong before a landslide killed a doctor. Its president, Meenakshi Raman, wants the state to explain why it was not stopped.

Dr Wong Kar Lin, 73, died at his home in Taman Seri Rambai on 25 October, Free Malaysia Today reported. The city council has since halted work on a nearby project.

Here is what SAM said, what officials replied and what is still unknown.

What SAM is asking for

“We have been proven right once again, unfortunately,” Meenakshi told Free Malaysia Today. She said residents and green groups had long raised concerns about hill cutting.

In her view, Paya Terubong was already known for landslides. That made big works on its slopes especially risky for homes nearby.

She also said photos showed bare slopes with no protection. Meenakshi asked if the authorities had checked the hillside often enough, The Vibes reported.

SAM wants three things from Penang. First, the state should explain how the landslide happened and why it was not prevented.

Second, it wants urgent action against any company found responsible. She said negligence must not go unpunished.

Third, it wants work to stabilise the affected slopes now, to protect nearby residents.

SAM says it warned Penang repeatedly. However, the reports do not say when, or to whom, and we could not find dates.

What the authorities have said

Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said MBPP gave the developer a stop-work notice. It also ordered immediate steps to make the site safer, The Star reported.

On Monday, he said MBPP saw no signs of slope instability. He warned that long rain could still weaken the soil.

Rajendran confirmed that residents sent complaints through a WhatsApp group. MBPP passed them to the developer, who followed its instructions, he said. MBPP also issued safety notices to developers in September.

State infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said slope work was under way. He said the unfinished section gave way.

Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said no link to the project had been shown yet, FMT reported. The cause is still under investigation.

The district officer said a leaking water channel and a clogged drain sent water into the house. That is a first finding, not a final cause.

What happens next

The Occupational Safety and Health Department will lead the probe. The Construction Industry Development Board may also join, according to The Star.

Rajendran said the probe could take at least three months. He also said the area hit was small compared with past major landslides.

Six nearby houses have been told to leave. The Star said a community hall serves as a relief centre while geotechnical reports are prepared.

The Star described the nearby project as 1,670 affordable homes in two blocks, with a road. No report names the developer.

Zairil noted that slopes are most at risk after long rain. That matters now, given our rain warning as the Northeast Monsoon starts on 27 Oct.

Slope damage can also cost a lot to fix. Earlier, we reported that landslide repairs at Bukit Larut reach RM20 million.

For the rescue and the stop-work order, see our earlier report on the Paya Terubong landslide. We will update when MBPP or the investigators release more details.