GEORGE TOWN: Hilly and forested areas frequented by residents and tourists are being closely monitored during the current wet season.
The Public Works Department (JKR) and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) have dedicated geotechnical teams carrying out regular inspections to assess the condition of these slopes, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“Our priority is public safety and we are committed to taking pre-emptive action.
“Monitoring will continue at all high-risk areas and strict enforcement will be taken against those who fail to comply with safety standards,” he told a press conference in Komtar yesterday.
Chow had been asked about measures taken by the state to ensure safety during the monsoon season.
The state government, he said, had also ceased approving agricultural activities on slopes.
“We have not approved any new slope farming for many years. Any application that does come in must follow strict safety guidelines,” he said.
“This is part of the state’s broader strategy to manage environmental risks and prevent landslides, especially during heavy rainfall,” he said.
The southwest monsoon is expected to bring heavy rain to the state between September and October.
Chow also said a recent mud flood incident near a construction site in Guar Perahu, Bukit Mertajam, stemmed from non-compliance with safety requirements and not from any failure in the state’s hillside development or flood mitigation efforts.
