Penang hillside safety depends on soil, drainage and regular monitoring, expert says

George Town, Penang - The stability of hillside developments in the region cannot be determined solely by a building's age, according to a senior civil engineering lecturer from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Dr Mastura Azmi emphasized that multiple factors must be taken into account, such as geological and soil conditions, engineering design, and drainage systems. Every site presents unique conditions and risk levels, necessitating evaluations based on technical data and inspections.

Slope safety should not be evaluated only during construction, but must also be continuously monitored as ground conditions evolve over time. Factors like rainfall, changes in water flow, alterations in land use, and the state of drainage systems can impact slope conditions. Dr Azmi stressed that periodic inspections, maintenance of drainage networks, and continuous slope monitoring are essential to ensure long-term structural safety.

Immediate reporting of early warning signs, such as soil cracks, ground movement, or abnormal water flow, is crucial for rapid technical assessments and necessary remedial actions.

Hillside developments are not automatically unsafe; their stability depends on key engineering prerequisites, including geological and soil conditions, engineering design, drainage infrastructure, and slope maintenance. Risk assessments and sustained monitoring must be prioritized to ensure slope stability and the safety of residents in these developments.

A recent landslide in Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, claimed the life of 73-year-old Dr Wong Kar Lin, while his wife and mother-in-law escaped unharmed. Following the incident, authorities imposed a stop-work order and ordered the evacuation of six adjacent houses as a precautionary measure.