About 30 landslides reported on Penang Hill during recent storm

GEORGE TOWN: There were about 30 landslides on Penang Hill during the recent storm with at least two major ones near a Hindu temple and mosque at the hilltop.

Aerial pictures showed effects of landslides close to the 230m-long canopy walk under construction at The Habitat rainforest garden.

Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple secretary K. Paramanathan said the beam at the priest quarters at the back of the temple has become exposed.

“The temple is not affected. I was told about this by a trustee who lives on the hill,” he said.

Paramanathan said he was unable to inspect the temple due to the disruption of the funicular train service and the closure of the jeep trail.

The Habitat managing director Allen Tan, who is in Hong Kong, said the landslide has not affected the canopy walk.

The canopy walk, when it is opened to the public, will provide a spectacular view across the hill.

It was reported the canopy walk was supposed to be ready last month.

Penang Hill Corporation general manager Cheok Lay Leng said about 30 locations were hit by landslides but the exact number could not be ascertained yet.

“We will check out the landslides near the temple and mosque once access to the hilltop has been restored.

“We expect to open a lane on the jeep trail in about four days as workers are clearing the road,” he said.

The 5.2km jeep trail, which starts near the Penang Botanic Gardens till the hilltop, has been badly hit by landslides. The road is also blocked by fallen trees and branches.