GEORGE TOWN: Penang government is mulling setting up a state-level Commission of Inquiry to investigate the landslide incident at Lengkok Lembah, Tanjung Bungah, here.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he would propose setting up the commission in the next executive councillors meeting.
"This is a serious incident, hence a normal inquiry will not be enough.
"I will propose in the next state executive council meeting for a commission of inquiry to be set up, similar to the one which investigated the Menara Umno incident a few years back," he said when met at the scene.
Lim also ordered the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to initiate investigation into all hillslope construction sites, in the wake of the Tanjung Bungah incident.
"We want to prevent a recurrence of similar incident in future.
“The checks will be conducted to see if developers adhere to the safety regulations and guidelines at project sites.
"For the incident here, I believe the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) should investigate as it happened at a project site," he added.
Meanwhile, the MBPP has issued a stop work order against the 50-storey affordable housing project with immediate effect until the search for the remaining victims have been completed.
“The cause of the landslide is still unknown. The weather was fine before the incident occurred," said mayor Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
The Fire and Rescue Department said 14 people, including a Malaysian, were feared buried in the landslide.
Three bodies have been recovered so far.
The search mission is still ongoing.
Three K-9 units had been deployed at about 4.30pm to locate the remaining victims.
Meanwhile, the developer said it has set up its own investigation team to look into the tragedy.
In a statement issued immediately after the incident, the developer said the investigation team would work alongside the authorities on the matter.
“We deeply regret the incident.
“We have taken reasonable steps, and are always responsible in conducting periodical maintenance works on our site,” the statement read.
The developer also said the incident happened while the workers were working on the soil nailing works to further enhance the stability of the temporary slope to facilitate the construction.
“The incident that happened was unexpected.
“We immediately responded to the disaster after the incident to minimise further casualties,” the developer added.
The developer also sent their condolences to the families of the dead.
“We are ready to assist and answer any further inquiries on the matter.”