THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has submitted a draft report on the recent landslide incident in Paya Terubong, with the state government now reviewing the technical aspects of the incident and addressing the welfare of affected residents.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government, through the State Executive Council (MMK), is discussing the technical issues surrounding the incident, which will be handled by Penang Local Government and Town & Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye.
“Meanwhile, the welfare of residents affected by the landslide will be overseen by Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who is also the Paya Terubong assemblyman.
“MBPP has presented the draft report to me. Among the aspects being examined are possible contributing factors, such as weather conditions, surface runoff, drainage pipes and others.
“I do not want to speculate at this stage, as we need to wait for the official report,” he told reporters when asked about the matter today.
Commenting on calls by certain quarters for the state government to suspend approvals for projects involving hillslopes, Chow said all project approvals are subject to established procedures and the conditions imposed by the relevant agencies.
“I have already explained that all project approvals must comply with the required procedures and conditions set by the relevant agencies.
“Once planning permission has been granted and a developer proceeds with the work, it becomes a legal commitment with its own implications,” he said.
On flood preparedness in Penang, Chow said September, October and November are typically months with higher rainfall, requiring the relevant agencies to remain vigilant and prepared.
“Whenever it rains, we receive information from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), and all agencies must take the appropriate action and remain prepared,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis