GEORGE TOWN, Sept 19 — The Penang government conducts regular and continuous monitoring of slopes in the state to ensure safety and prevent the risk of landslides, especially during the rainy season, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.|
He said the inspections were conducted by the Slope Engineering Branch (CKC) of the Penang Public Works Department (JKR) and the Geotechnical Division of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), with all information on critical levels reported to technical agencies for immediate action.
“These agencies have dedicated geotechnical teams that conduct regular inspections to assess slope conditions and take the necessary precautionary measures, particularly in hilly and forested areas frequented by residents and tourists.
“Our priority is public safety, and we are committed to taking early action. Monitoring is also carried out in all high-risk areas, and this step is important so that preventive measures can be implemented before any untoward incident occurs,” he told a press conference at Komtar today.
Chow was asked to comment on the state government’s measures to ensure landslide-prone sites remain safe during the current rainy season.
Commenting further, Chow said among the monitored sites were agricultural activity areas in hilly terrain, where MBPP had ensured that natural waterways were not blocked by any structures and that they complied with the Guidelines on the Safety of Agricultural Activities in Hilly Areas.
He said that for slopes under the jurisdiction of joint management bodies (JMBs) and management corporations (MCs), MBPP had carried out public awareness initiatives and shared guidance on proper slope maintenance methods to be undertaken by them.
“In addition, no approvals have been granted for agricultural activities on slopes in recent years, as earthworks in hilly slope areas could pose certain safety risks, including erosion and landslides.
“If there are new applications, the authorities will continue to impose strict safety guidelines for any agricultural activities in hilly areas, and this step is implemented to ensure a balance between economic development, public safety, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Chow added that in terms of development, all new project proposals must comply with the Penang Safety Guideline for Hill Site Development (Second Edition, 2020), which was drafted to ensure structural safety and the protection of nearby residents.
“For slopes under the administration of JKR, CKC conducts regular monitoring, including the installation of monitoring systems (TMP) in identified high-risk areas,” he said. — Bernama
