Workers clearing the landslide debris in Pearl Hill, Penang. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
MONDAY’S floods had also brought down about 10 mid-sized boulders, earth and sand from a sheer hill onto the road in Pearl Hill, an upscale neighbourhood in Tanjung Bungah, Penang.
But the Public Works Department was so bogged down with clearing the Teluk Bahang landslide that their staff could only clear the landslide there yesterday.
“We heard the earth and sand crumble down and when the boulders fell, it was thunderous,” said resident Dr Sally Ong, 70.
The rockslide happened directly in front of Dr Ong’s home and it was the third time.
The first happened about 20 years ago and the second time was over 10 years past.
A check by The Star showed that a massive side of the sheer hill face opposite her house had slid down, exposing giant granite boulders.
There are more small trees and overgrowth clinging to the sheer drop and Dr Ong hoped the authorities would quickly start remedial work to stop more landslides from occurring.
Meanwhile, residents along Jalan Paya Terubong are living in fear of more landslides.
A resident who wanted to be known only as Hock said muddy waters gushed down from the retaining wall and slopes of a construction site above his house on Monday.
“Whenever there is heavy rain, we will get flash floods and minor landslides. We fear one day the water would also enter our house,” he said.
