Penang CM calls for action against those behind recent landslide

The Penang government has yet to obtain any information regarding the four foreign workers who perished in the latest landslide along the Tanjung Bungah - Batu Feringghi road last night, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said although they have yet to obtain the information, he urged the police and all relevant authorities to complete their probe so that action can be taken against those responsible for the death of the workers.

"We have been firm to ensure such tragic incidents do not happen, but it has happened anyway, so we call on all relevant authorities, including the police, to probe the matter so that action can be taken on those responsible for the loss of lives," he told reporters at a press conference in Komtar today.

Chow was asked whether the state government has information on the four workers who were buried by the landslide that occurred at 9.25pm last night.

Questions arise as to whether the dead workers - who are Myanmar nationals - were legally or illegally hired by the hotel owner to build the 2.4m tall retaining wall on his private land.

At 9.25pm last night, earth at the retaining wall's construction site gave way and buried the four, with the last body recovered by the search and rescue team at about 3.36am.

Chow said he has directed the Public Works Department (JKR) to work on securing the stability of the road that is adjacent to the location where the landslide occurred.

The JKR will conduct a study on the traffic-heavy 50m stretch to see if any further measures can be taken to ensure the road's safety.

"While the probe, study and monitoring are ongoing, only one lane of the road can be used, so road users are cautioned about traffic congestion and are told to use alternative roads if possible," Chow said.

Meanwhile, Penang Island City Council mayor Yew Tung Seang said his office will act according to existing laws against any illegal construction work, which were carried out without approval from the council.

"We view the matter seriously and a thorough investigation has been launched, while existing laws will be used to nab the ones responsible for the tragedy," said Yew.

"We monitor all construction sites, but the location for this one was hidden from the main road.

"We urge everyone to seek the council's permission for construction of structures, even though carried out on private land.

“We also hope the public can be our eyes and ears and report any such incidents to the council so action can be taken against any wrongdoers," he added. - Mkini