Massive landslides on Penang Hill

Relentless rains have caused massive landslides on Penang Hill in past week, worrying residents and trekkers.

GEORGE TOWN: Massive landslides and tree falls have occurred on Penang Hill for the past few days following heavy downpour in the state, posing a serious danger to residents, workers, hikers and jungle trekkers.

Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari disclosed that 13 landslides had been reported so far with three locations experiencing serious cases, namely KM2.1, KM2.5 (station 84) and KM4.0 along the jeep track leading from Botanical Gardens in Waterfall to the hilltop.

He said the three affected sections suffered massive earth collapse.

Speaking at a press conference here today, he cited that weak ailing trees and soil erosion were among reasons behind the landslides.

He said loose soil due to continuous heavy rains could have caused trees to fall, dragging the earth with them.

He further said the current landslides had caused very serious environmental damage to the hill since the last major occurrence in 1984.

Nevertheless he dismissed claims that structural projects and land clearance could have resulted in the landslides.

The damage at KM4.0 saw an area approximately 20 metres by 45 metres collapsing on Sept 7.

The Public Works Department (JKR) has temporarily widened that section by installing ductile pipes and sandbags to enable four-wheel drives to continue plying the route.

The affected area has now been temporarily covered with plastic sheets and an alternative route for water to flow from the hill and road has been created by JKR.

“We advise trekkers to take extreme safety measures when using the path,” Zairil told newsmen.

Also present was Kebun Bunga assemblyman Cheah Kah Peng and JKR northeast district engineer Ibrahim Ahmad.

Cheah said the Forestry Department would conduct a site inspection soon to identify ailing trees that needed to be cut to avoid future disasters.

JKR will carry out repair works at KM2.1, where a rubble wall collapsed on Sept 10, and KM4 at an estimated cost of RM1 million each.

Funds needed for Station 84 repair works

“A proposal for revamp and procurement of funds would be made immediately. We aim to complete the work within four months,” said Ibrahim.

Zairil said the four-month schedule has been set considering “logistical nightmare” of transporting heavy machinery for piling and filling works, and reinforcement of slopes.

The damage at KM2.5, where Station 84 is located, however would not be repaired by JKR as the area comes under state land.

The landslide at Station 84 on Sept 10 was due to a large tree that fell during the heavy downpour and strong winds dragging along massive amount of earth with it.

Zairil revealed that part of Station 84 platform collapsed, leaving the remaining structure in a precarious state and repair work could cost over RM1 million.

He said JKR had suggested demolishing the structure and building a new one at a different spot.

He said a discussion would be held in two weeks time with hikers, trekkers, residents of Penang Hill and non-governmental organisations on how to solve the problem.

“Since rebuilding it would be costly, we would like to hear their ideas and how to raise funds,” Zairil said.