THE fatal landslide that killed a 73-year-old doctor in Paya Terubong has renewed calls for the Penang government to review slope safety measures and address potential risks from hillside development near residential areas.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meena Raman said the tragedy raised questions about slope monitoring and preventive measures in an area known to be vulnerable to landslides, where large-scale hill-cutting works were being carried out for a road construction project.
She said residents and non-governmental organisations had previously warned that extensive works in environmentally sensitive areas could endanger nearby communities and the public.
“The state government must explain how this tragedy happened and why the landslide could not be prevented. The condition of the area shows exposed slopes without protection,” she said in a statement on Sunday.
Meena questioned whether slope inspections had been conducted regularly and whether adequate mitigation measures had been implemented to minimise the risk of a collapse.
She urged the state government to take action against the company responsible if negligence was established, and to ensure the affected area was restored and further risks addressed.
“Take action now before more damage occurs and take action against those found responsible for negligence,” she said.
The victim, Wong Kar Lin, was found buried in the kitchen of his home in Taman Seri Rambai after the landslide struck at about 8am. Firefighters recovered his body at about 11.21am.
His wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 68, and mother-in-law, Wong Poh Lim, who is in her 80s, survived after escaping from the house.
Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said authorities were investigating the cause of the landslide, including whether it was linked to a nearby housing development.
He said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the developer would need to complete their assessments before any conclusions could be drawn.
“At this stage, we cannot make any statement on whether it was caused by the housing project behind this residential area or otherwise,” he said at the scene.
Wong said technical assessments were under way to determine the cause of the collapse and examine the condition and stability of the slope.
Meanwhile, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said residents of about 10 to 15 nearby houses had been advised to stay away from the rear sections of their homes because of the risk of further landslides, particularly amid continued rain.
Residents had not been ordered to evacuate and were allowed to remain in the front sections of their homes while further assessments were conducted, he said.
He added that MBPP's technical team and representatives of the nearby housing developer had been asked to assist with inspections. A stop-work order on the development could be considered, depending on the local authority's findings and decision. - October 25, 2026