GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pic) said the state government had been restricting and controlling developments on slopes for many years.
He said developments were not allowed on Class Three and Four slopes and if earthworks were necessary, they had to comply with various geotechnical requirements.
"We have been doing this for many years and not only on campsites; but also other developments such as high-rises, and others which involved even larger footprints and more intensive construction," he was quoted as telling a journalist about the safety of campsites in Penang, following the fateful landslide incident at a popular campsite in Batang Kali on Friday (Dec 16).
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Chow highlighted the use of the Penang Safety Guideline for Hill Site Development (2nd edition 2020) which was a revised version of the 2012 guidelines and was drawn up to enhance safety and sustainability of hill development projects.
"We are saddened by the news of the tragedy in Batang Kali. Our hearts go out to the friends and families of the victims during this difficult time.
"Campsites of other developments should only be allowed after they have obtained the necessary approvals, and not build then try to apply for the approvals," he said.
Chow said there might be some campsites set up without approval.
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"Depending on their location, they may pose safety concerns especially if they are in hilly areas.
"Developments near the slope must always monitor the slopes.
"Penang Hill is one good example. The slopes have been monitored regularly, but the hill still experienced many landslides in the past. Landslides are still occurring.
"Hence, developments near the slope must always monitor the slope and if necessary, strengthen the slope with enforcement structures," he added.
On Friday, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming ordered all campsites near rivers and in high-risk areas nationwide to be closed for seven days with immediate effect.
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Nga said the directive had been issued to 155 local authorities after a forecast that heavy rain would continue for five days beginning Saturday (Dec 17) due to the North-East Monsoon.
Chow said local councils have identified campsites in both Penang island and Seberang Perai.
"We have Kampung Agong and the Suling Hill campsite in Seberang Perai, and Boulder Valley and the Penang Hill campsite in Penang island.
"There are not many campsites in Penang.
"We urge the operators to comply with the ministry’s order," he said.
Meanwhile, after getting complaints about a land clearing project in the vicinity of Seri Delima here, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) carried out a check and issued an official letter to the technical agency involved.
In her Facebook post on Saturday (Dec 17), Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said she noted the concerns of the public over a project carried out in the vicinity of Delima Palace and Krystal Heights apartments in Changkat Delima 2.
"MBPP carried out a check on Nov 29 and found the complaint to be valid, and the land in question is under the jurisdiction of the state government, part of Laluan Ketiga Pulau Pinang, linking Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu to Air Itam and under the purview of Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC).
"MBPP has issued an official letter to the technical agency supervising the project, asking for appropriate measures to be taken according to the geotechnical report issued.
"It will be handled by PIC," she said, adding that her office will remain vigilant and keep the people in charge accountable and aware of the risks involved.