Penang landslide: We ignored warning signs, worker says

A worker at the construction site of an affordable housing project in Lengkok Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah in Penang claimed that minor landslides had frequently occurred before the major landslide yesterday.

Sukarno, 50, said there were a few minor landslides in the area and the last one was three days ago, on Thursday.

"Suddenly, some rocks fell from the hillside. Fortunately, there were no workers below at the time," he said when met by Bernama today.

The landslide yesterday buried 11 workers and seven bodies have been recovered so far.

Sukarno said the minor landslides were a sign that a major landslide could occur.

"However, we (the workers) ignored the minor landslides and continued to work as usual, and thought it was normal, but yesterday, it proved us wrong."

The native of Sulawesi, Indonesia, said he and his fellow workers did not want to work on the site anymore as they were worried about their safety.

"We can search for livelihood anywhere else, but our lives are irreplaceable," he added.

-Mkini