Penang to grill agencies over Taman Sri Rambai landslide at Nov 2 meeting

Penang's top officials and technical agencies will convene on November 2 to scrutinize the investigation into the fatal Taman Sri Rambai landslide and assess if additional actions are required to ensure safety. State Local Government Committee chairman Jason Hng will preside over the special meeting at Komtar, focusing on the investigation's status, mitigation efforts, and the safety of residents impacted by the incident.

Representatives from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Minerals and Geoscience Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Public Works Department, northeast district office, Penang Island City Council, police, and Fire and Rescue Department will participate in the discussion. The state government will await the findings of the ongoing DOSH investigation before determining the cause of the landslide or addressing allegations of negligence.

DOSH launched its investigation on October 29 and is anticipated to consult all parties involved to ascertain the factors contributing to the slope failure. The Nov 2 meeting will also evaluate whether the developer fulfilled the temporary mitigation measures mandated by MBPP and identify any further steps necessary to prevent future incidents.

The developer and its consultants must submit a thorough site inspection report, pinpoint high-risk slope areas, and provide an updated erosion and sediment control plan. As of now, four houses remain under evacuation orders due to being deemed unsafe, while residents of two additional houses have been permitted to return. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has implicated the developer and landowner of a condominium and road project in the fatal landslide, threatening legal repercussions and emphasizing the parties' responsibility for site safety and mitigation measures.