GEORGE TOWN - The Penang Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is conducting an investigation to determine the actual cause of the landslide at Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, covering aspects such as safety, construction, and regulatory compliance.
State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the investigation includes gathering information and statements from the developer, contractors, and consultants involved in the development project on the slope near the site of the incident.
"The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) held discussions yesterday (Nov 3) with civil and geotechnical consulting engineers, the developer, and the contractor to investigate and understand the root cause of the incident covering aspects of safety, construction, design, and compliance with relevant regulations as well as to propose appropriate mitigation measures and site stabilization efforts.
"DOSH has requested that the developer submit Pre-Construction Information (PCI) documentation before commencing any mitigation work on-site,” he said when winding the debate on the Supply Bill and the 2027 Development Expenditure Estimates (State Budget 2027) at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
In the incident on Oct 25, a doctor, Dr. Wong Kar Lin, 73, died after being buried in a landslide that affected his home, while his wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 68, and his mother-in-law, Wong Poh Lim (in her 80s), managed to escape safely.
Elaborating further, H’ng said the approved 35-story affordable housing project near the site does not exceed the 76-metre (250-foot) contour line while infrastructure development such as roads and utilities is permitted, subject to strict conditions outlined in the geotechnical report approved by the Committee for Development on Risky Land on April 10, 2023.
Additionally, he explained that the development approval for the site dates back to 1996, when the initial developer submitted an application for a proposed project consisting of medium-cost apartments and townhouses.
The planning permission application subsequently underwent several changes in terms of the developer and the proposed development plan.
"I wish to emphasise here that all decisions made were collective decisions of the government not merely the decision of the Chief Minister, but rather those of the State Authority and the Local Authority,” he stated.
In response to a query from Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PN-Sungai Dua), who interjected to urge the establishment of a State Commission of Inquiry (SCI) to investigate the cause of the tragedy, H’ng said the state government would first defer the investigation process to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) before considering such a measure.
He explained that the relevant documentation must be examined by DOSH, with technical advice sought from the Engineering Department of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) specifically regarding geotechnical aspects to ensure that the proposed mitigation works are appropriate, before any further action is taken.
Previously, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow asserted that the landowner and the developer of the condominium project must be held accountable, including regarding legal implications and the implementation of mitigation works to ensure the safety of the area affected by the landslide. - BERNAMA