Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has expressed sadness over the deadly landslide at a construction site in Tanjung Bungah, Penang earlier this morning.
"May the search and rescue mission go smoothly, let us pray together," Najib tweeted.
Sedih dgn kejadian tanah runtuh di Tanjung Bungah. Moga misi mencari dan menyelamat berjalan lancar, sama-sama kita doakan.— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) October 21, 2017
The landslide occurred at about 8.30am today. At present, 11 bodies are still trapped and are being recovered by the Fire and Rescue Department.
Among those who died were a Malaysian and two Bangladeshi workers.
While Najib was saddened by the tragedy, some BN leaders blamed the DAP-led state government for the incident.
MIC treasurer S Vell Paari said the landslide was a result of the state government's negligence in failing to stop hilltop developments.
"What is most shocking of this deadly incident is the irresponsibility and negligence of the Penang state government to stop all hill-top development and land clearing at sensitive areas around the Penang island.
"The dangers of hill-top development have been highlighted to the state government many times but no action was taken," Vell Paari said in a statement.
He cited Tanjung Bungah Residents Association chairperson Meenakshi Raman, who was reported by the New Straits Times as claiming that the state government had brushed off concerns by civil societies as "irrational".
Vell Paari called on the state government to stop all hillslope developments, while ensuring that all hillside buildings in Tanjung Bungah, including those under construction, are safe.
"Finally, I call upon Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng to accept responsibility and be held accountable as because due to his sheer negligence and ignorance we have people killed.
"Maybe the chief minister and the Penang state government does not care or value the lives of Penangites but I do care and will not turn a blind eye," he added.
Penang Umno Youth information chief Rafizal Abd Rahim similarly said that Lim should accept full responsibility for the incident.
"This tragedy would not have occurred if the state government had listened to warnings and advice from Penangites," Rafizal said.
Meanwhile, Penang Gerakan vice-chairperson Oh Tong Keong said the state government needed to review all high-density projects to avoid future tragedies.
Oh said Lim must give an explanation to the people of Penang, while the island's city council should apologise and give an explanation as well, as they had approved the project.
Lim earlier today had said that the state government would conduct a full inquiry into the landslide. -Mkini
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