THE Penang government will take the appropriate action based on the results of the investigation into the fatal landslide at Jalan Bukit Kukus construction site.
State Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the Penang government had to ascertain the cause of the landslide before any decision could be made.
“We cannot react based on speculation. We could make a wrong decision if we react based on speculation.
“What is the cause of the landslide? Who is responsible? Is negligence the cause of the landslide?
“If negligence is the cause, then is it the consultant engineer or the contractor who is responsible? That is why we must not hastily jump into conclusion.
“When we approve a project, the approval also comes with requirements to be followed by the contractor.
“Did the contractor follow the requirements stipulated?
“The relevant authorities such as the Department of Environment, Department of Mineral and Geoscience and the local councils will also give their reviews and requirements,” Zairil told a press conference at the Sungai Dua JKKK hall in Butterworth today.
Zairil said that the priority now was to look for the landslide victims.
“Let us focus on the rescue efforts before moving on to the investigation.
“So far, those who were found were foreign workers. No local workers were reported missing,” he added.
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Che Zaimani Che Awang said two more bodies were found as of 12.15pm today (Oct 21).
“The two bodies found were Bangladeshi workers and they were identified by their friends and family.
“So far, seven bodies were found while four victims were reportedly injured (as of 5.30pm Oct 21).
“According to the friends of the victims, there are four more victims who are feared missing,” ACP Che Zaimani said.
According to news report, the 1.56pm incident on Oct 19 occurred following downpour in the state since Thursday (Oct 18) evening that caused the hilly areas to collapse and slide down bringing the containers and workers’ quarters to be buried together at the Jalan Bukit Kukus paired road project construction site.
The search and rescue operation is still ongoing.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad