GEORGE TOWN: No signs of further slope movement have been detected at the Taman Seri Rambai landslide site in Paya Terubong following remedial works, but authorities remain cautious as prolonged rain could further weaken the soil.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the developer had diverted water pipes to a safer location after the landslide, which claimed the life of a 73-year-old doctor on Sunday (Oct 25).
"Following the incident, rain continued before eventually stopping. The developer has since relocated the pipes to a safer location.
"Based on our observations, there are currently no signs of slope instability.
"However, we must remain cautious as prolonged rainfall could further weaken the surrounding soil," he said.
Rajendran said some soil movement had been detected shortly after the landslide, but there were no further signs of instability after the rain stopped and the pipes were relocated.
He said MBPP had issued a stop-work notice to the developer and ordered immediate mitigation measures to improve safety at the site.
The incident would be investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH), with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) possibly involved.
MBPP would also continue monitoring the site and conducting its own checks.
Rajendran said investigations could take at least three months, although the actual duration would depend on the circumstances.
He said the affected area was relatively small compared with previous major landslides involving larger slopes.
On when residents evacuated from six nearby houses could return home, he said the decision would be made in consultation with the investigating authorities.
"The relocation arrangements are being handled by the district and land office," he said.
Asked about residents' claims that they had previously complained about the slope, Rajendran confirmed that MBPP had received complaints through a WhatsApp group involving residents.
He said the council had conveyed the complaints to the developer and instructed it to improve safety measures at the construction site.
"We have a WhatsApp group with residents so that complaints can be addressed as quickly as possible.
"The complaints were forwarded to the developer, and they complied with the instructions," he said.
Rajendran also said MBPP had issued precautionary notices to developers, contractors and construction sites in September, ahead of the inter-monsoon period.
He said October typically recorded some of the year's highest rainfall, with prolonged downpours increasing the risk of slope instability.
"Even when rainfall is not particularly heavy, continuous rain can saturate the soil and weaken slopes," he said.
He added that MBPP engineers had been carrying out site inspections with consultants to ensure slope safety.
On a separate landslide in Tanjung Bungah, which damaged two cars, Rajendran said the incident was unrelated to construction activities.
He said it involved an existing slope that had deteriorated over time.
As for the Paya Terubong incident, Rajendran declined to speculate on the cause pending the DOSH investigation.
