HILLSIDE development projects must be properly assessed to ensure that drainage systems and other safety measures are in place, says Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai.
Wong, who is also state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, said technical questions about development projects should be referred to the relevant engineers and authorities, who are better placed to explain the requirements.
He said information displayed on a development project’s signboard includes important details about the project and the parties involved.
“Each development project has a signboard displaying such information, but questions about the technical aspects should be answered by the relevant professionals,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the ninth edition of the Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) today.
He was responding to questions about the recent landslide incident in Paya Terubong, killing a 73-year-old doctor, Wong Kar Lin on Sunday.
Wong said geotechnical specialists were responsible for assessing ground conditions and monitoring water movement on hillsides.
He said the relevant department has specialists who can visit sites to examine hillside conditions and identify potential risks.
“Proper assessments are important, particularly during periods of heavy rain and seasonal weather changes,” he said, adding that all development projects, including those that have been completed, must be assessed.
Wong said questions about whether a development complies with the relevant requirements should be referred to the developers, engineers and authorities concerned for clarification.
He also referred to a flooding incident at the elevated Paya Terubong Paired Road (Bukit Kukus), saying personnel had been sent to inspect the affected area during the incident.
He said the problem appeared to involve water being unable to drain away properly rather than seawater rising.
On drainage problems near highways, Wong said indiscriminate rubbish dumping could block drains and prevent water from flowing out, resulting in flooding.
However, if the drainage system fails to function properly despite there being no obstruction, its design and structural aspects need to be examined by qualified engineers.
He said highway infrastructure in Malaysia was designed by professional engineers and should comply with the relevant technical requirements.
“Any suspected shortcomings in the drainage system or construction should therefore be investigated by the responsible authorities and engineering teams,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud