GEORGE TOWN: The 73-year-old doctor who lost his life in a landslide at Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, died from blunt force injuries and suffocation after being buried under earth and debris, police confirmed.
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Rozak Muhammad said the cause of death was confirmed following a post-mortem examination concluded early Monday (Oct 26) morning.
The victim, Dr Wong Kar Lin, was recovered from the kitchen of his home after authorities were alerted to the slope failure at 8.36am on Sunday. His wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 68, and her mother, Wong Poh Lim, 86, survived the incident.
ACP Abdul Rozak said police have classified the case as sudden death, with investigations initiated following an emergency call from one of the victim's children.
"Police and firefighters rushed to the scene to carry out search and rescue operations," he told reporters at the site. "Our priority now is maintaining security at the location and ensuring six vacant, evacuated homes are protected against trespassing."
Occupants of the six neighbouring houses have been temporarily placed in hotel accommodation. ACP Abdul Rozak noted that their return will depend on slope stability assessments conducted by technical agencies, including the Penang Island City Council, the Environment Department, the Drainage and Irrigation Department, and the Occupational Safety and Health Department.
Authorities warned that the site remains strictly off-limits, particularly with the onset of the northeast monsoon expected on Tuesday (Oct 27).
"Further rainfall could heighten the risk of secondary landslides. We advise the public to adhere strictly to police instructions and avoid restricted areas," ACP Abdul Rozak added. He noted that police have not received prior complaints or objections regarding surrounding developments in the area.
