THE state government, through the Penang Public Works Department (JKR), is currently focusing on clearing landslide debris at the site of the major landslide along Jalan Tun Sardon in Balik Pulau.
The landslide, which struck the Anjung Indah lookout point area yesterday (Oct 23), forced the closure of the hilly road to all traffic for safety reasons.
Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the immediate priority is to carry out cleaning and clearing works so that the road can be safely reopened to the public.
“For now, preliminary investigations have confirmed that the slope failure was caused by heavy rain and strong winds.
“A detailed technical investigation will be carried out once the site has been fully cleared. The findings will then be presented to the state government for further action.
“Similarly, decisions regarding repair, mitigation, and other related works will only be made after the detailed investigation is completed.
“From there, we will determine the estimated cost, scope of repairs, and other necessary measures,” Zairil said during a press conference at the site today.
Also present was Penang JKR director Datuk Ahmad Nadzri Abdul Majid.
A dashcam video has since surfaced online showing the moment the hillside collapsed along Jalan Tun Sardon, sending tonnes of soil and debris cascading onto the road and narrowly missing several vehicles.
The footage, recorded around 5pm on Thursday (Oct 23), shows motorists accelerating to safety as earth and rocks tumbled down the slope along the two-lane stretch connecting Balik Pulau and Relau.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department operations assistant director John Sagun Francis said firefighters rushed to the scene upon receiving the distress call.
“Fortunately, checks later confirmed that no vehicles or individuals were affected,” he said.
Authorities also detected several smaller landslips and signs of soil erosion along the same hillside, prompting the continued closure of the road for safety.
In a statement, Penang JKR said an 8km stretch between the Bukit Kukus intersection and Balik Pulau would remain temporarily closed, with the road expected to reopen by 6pm on Saturday (Oct 25).
Zairil added that since Oct 21, several minor (non-critical) landslides, fallen trees, and rockfall incidents have been recorded across Penang (on the island), including at Pearl Hill 3, Miami Green 1, Puncak Bukit Mutiara, Air Itam Dam, Eco Terraces, Jalan Paya Terubong, and Jalan Teluk Bahang.
“Two new minor landslides were also reported last night at Residensi 2 in Teluk Kumbar and Bukit Belah near SK Sungai Batu.
“We urge the public to remain cautious and vigilant, especially when travelling during heavy rain.
“For any related complaints or emergencies, the public may contact the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) hotline at 016-2004082, the JKR disaster hotline at 03-26107727, or report through the Pearl Apps mobile application,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting