The Penang Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) will investigate the cause of a fatal landslide in Paya Terubong, and the developer has been told to submit documents, Malay Mail reported on Wednesday (November 4).
The incident
In the incident on October 25, a doctor, Dr Wong Kar Lin, 73, died after being buried in a landslide that affected his home. His wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 68, and his mother-in-law, Wong Poh Lim, who is in her 80s, managed to escape safely.
The investigation
The developer has been asked to provide documents as part of the probe. The excerpt I reviewed does not state which project is involved, what the developer's response was or what the department has found so far. The investigation is intended to establish the cause, and no conclusions have been announced.
Why it matters
Hillside development in parts of Penang has long raised safety concerns, especially during the rainy season, when heavy downpours increase the risk of landslides. Findings from the probe could lead to action against any party found responsible and might influence safety requirements for similar projects.
Residents in hilly areas are advised to follow local authority warnings, report signs of ground movement such as cracks or leaning structures, and evacuate promptly when advised to do so.
Source: Malay Mail - Penang DOSH to probe cause of fatal Paya Terubong landslide
