THE developer of a condominium project in Paya Terubong has been given seven days to submit a mitigation plan following a landslide that claimed the life of Dr Wong Kar Lin.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had also issued an immediate stop-work order at the project site, where the landslide originated.
He said the developer must take urgent measures to stabilise the affected area and prevent further incidents, especially as the state experiences unpredictable weather.
“MBPP has issued a stop-work order with immediate effect. The developer has seven days to submit a mitigation plan to address the situation.
“The plan must ensure that the site is secured and that appropriate measures are taken to prevent further landslides that could endanger the surrounding neighbourhood,” Chow told reporters during his visit to the landslide site today.
Chow said MBPP was also expected to present a comprehensive report on the incident within the next one or two days.
“I have received the draft report from MBPP’s engineering department, and we expect the council to present its complete findings within the next one or two days,” he said.
Based on preliminary findings, Chow said the landslide occurred on land belonging to the developer, in an area where slope stabilisation works had yet to be carried out.
He said recent heavy rainfall was believed to have contributed to the incident, as surface runoff could not be adequately channelled away, resulting in water seeping into the soil.
However, he stressed that the authorities would await MBPP’s final report before drawing conclusions on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Chow also made it clear that the landowner and developer must bear responsibility for the consequences of the landslide.
“The landowner and developer must take responsibility because the landslide originated from their land.
“This includes any legal implications, matters concerning development approvals and the necessary mitigation works to restore safety at the site,” he said.
On the project’s background, Chow explained that the site had a lengthy planning history dating back to 1996, involving changes in landownership, developers and development guidelines.
He said the relevant approvals had undergone the necessary planning and technical processes, including consideration by the Appeals Board, which had dismissed an appeal against the development.
Addressing calls for a temporary suspension of hillslope developments during the rainy season, Chow said both MBPP and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) could be instructed to direct developers to review and monitor their respective construction sites.
“Developers may need to temporarily pause certain construction activities to focus on site monitoring and carry out immediate mitigation measures where necessary.
“With September, October and November traditionally being among Penang’s wetter months, everyone must remain vigilant,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow said the authorities would continue monitoring the affected residential areas, with decisions on when evacuated residents could return depending on assessments by the relevant disaster management committees.
He emphasised that public safety remained the state government’s foremost priority.
Chow also extended his condolences to Dr Wong’s family, assuring them that the state government and MBPP would assist, including legal support where appropriate.
“We deeply regret the loss of Dr Wong and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time.
“The state government and MBPP will extend whatever assistance is necessary to the affected family,” he said.
Following his visit to the landslide site, Chow proceeded to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, where Dr Wong’s body was being kept, to pay his last respects to the deceased.
Chow was also seen earlier at the site and church comforting Dr Wong’s wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 68, who is dejected by the loss of her husband.
Also present at the site and wake service earlier were state executive councillors and assemblymen, namely, Wong Hon Wai, Zairil Khir Johari, Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, and Connie Tan Hooi Peng.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan and Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Law Suun Ting and Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi