SENSORS have been installed along Jalan Tun Sardon in Penang as part of an early detection and warning system to prevent landslides and safeguard lives and property, said state executive councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Zairil Khir Johari.
“A local company is collaborating with the state government in this pilot project. From the monitoring, the data collected from the sensors is useful to assess landslide risk,” Zairil told a press conference after officiating the Geotechnical Engineering Seminar 2025 at Ascott Gurney Hotel on Gurney Drive today.
Commenting on the recent landslide along Jalan Paya Terubong, Ayer Itam, he said the Public Works Department (JKR) had responded by covering the slope with plastic sheets to reduce soil movement and minimise rainwater impact on the slope’s structure.
The incident, which occurred after more than three hours of heavy rain about a week ago, took place near three homes on a hillside. No casualties were reported.
Zairil also commended the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Penang branch for organising the annual seminar, highlighting its role in advancing safer and more resilient infrastructure in the country.
He said the seminar provided valuable insights from experts that would help ensure slope stability, safeguard infrastructure from natural hazards, and address climate-related challenges.
The event drew 170 participants and featured five eminent speakers:
- Prof Dr Taiki Saito (Japan): Earthquake disaster prevention and challenges
- Ir Som Pon Pichan (Malaysia): Enhancing the quality of site investigation works
- Dr Seah Tian Ho (Thailand): Ground improvement by Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD) method
- Dr Muthusamy Karthikeyan (Singapore): Sustainable approaches to climate-resilient coastal protection
- Muhammad Joehan (Malaysia): Geohazard risk assessment using machine learning
The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing geohazards in light of recent tremors and seismic events in the region.
Meanwhile, both Penang local councils – the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) – announced that, as of 1 June 2025, all new building submissions must incorporate earthquake-resistant designs in line with updated standards.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, who was unable to attend due to health reasons, delivered his keynote address via a video recording.
He outlined the state’s efforts to strengthen safety guidelines in hillside development and its move towards digitalisation in data monitoring, especially for weather, landslides, and disaster management.
IEM president Ir Prof Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin, meanwhile, stressed the importance of creating a clean and green environment for end-users even after project completion.
Organising chairlady Ir Heng Lee Sun expressed hope the seminar would benefit industry players and participants by deepening their insights and providing practical solutions, noting that geotechnical engineering forms the foundation of infrastructure development.
Also present were Ir Prof Emeritus Dr Chuah Hean Teik, IEM Penang Branch chairman Ir Dr Lee Choo Yong, MBPP deputy director of Engineering Department Ir Ts Zainuddin Mohamad Shariff, MBSP director of Engineering Department Mohd Syukri Said, and Geotechnical Engineering Subcommittee lead and past chairman of IEM Penang Branch Datuk Ir Yau Ann Nian.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En