Paya Terubong landslide: Developer, landowner must take responsibility - CM

Penang's Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, has urged the developer and landowner of a condominium and road project near a recent landslide to accept responsibility for the tragedy. The landslide, which claimed the life of a doctor, occurred on property owned by the developer. The Chief Minister emphasized that the parties involved must be held accountable, including addressing legal implications, development approvals, and necessary safety measures.

The landslide took place on Sunday morning following days of heavy rainfall, causing a slope collapse near a residential house. Dr. Wong Kar Lin, 73, was killed while preparing breakfast. This incident has reignited concerns about the numerous warnings that were ignored, resulting in the death of a former Kebun Bunga assemblyman.

Chow explained that the site had a complex planning history, with changes in landownership, developers, and development guidelines dating back to 1996. The area remains off-limits as police secure the site to ensure the safety of nearby residents. Six families were displaced due to the incident.

The developer has seven days to submit a mitigation plan to address the situation, which must ensure the site's security and prevent further landslides. Chow has received reports from the state government, the Penang Town and Country Planning Department, and the MBPP Engineering Department, with a full report expected within one or two days.

Preliminary findings suggest the incident occurred in an area that had not yet undergone slope stabilization, and prolonged rainfall likely contributed to the slide. However, the exact cause will be determined after the responsible authorities submit their full reports.