STREAM water flowing from atop a hill was strongly suspected as one of the main causes for the fatal landslide at a paired road construction site at Jalan Bukit Kukus in Paya Terubong last Friday.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang told reporters that he spotted a stream that was not properly diverted during a hike up the hill on Saturday morning after the landslide that occurred at about 1.15pm the day earlier.
“I strongly suspect that this is one of the main causes (for the landslide),” Yew told a horde of reporters at the site entrance to the hill today.
“The project consultant and contractor have been asked to show cause on why this factor was not given due attention. The stream was merely blocked and I had asked the contractor to tackle this matter immediately.
“This incident should not have occurred. We don’t need an expert to tell us to divert the water source. This is very fundamental.
“But the real cause of the landslide could only be known after we get full reports on the incident.”
Thus far, the landslide had claimed eight lives.
On the paired road project, Yew said it started in 2016 and was scheduled to be completed in 2020 with both contractor and consultants appointed by MBPP.
“We need this road for the convenience of the local people and Penangites in general. This is not a complicated project or a high technology project. We don’t need sophisticated technology to deal with it. It’s a straightforward engineering project only. We will continue with this project later,” he added.
For now, Yew said the focus is on the search and rescue efforts as they enter the fourth day and are running out of time. Three more people are still reported missing.
Two sensors were fixed by the SMART team to help monitor the movement of the earth to ensure the rescuers’ safety.
Yew said MBPP is now working with the Board of Engineers to ensure the safety of such projects and also with the other agencies, including the police, while conducting their own internal inquiry.
“If there is any professional negligence, we will not hesitate to take drastic action,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud & Chan Kok Kuan
Facebook live by Alissala Thian