GEORGE TOWN: Environmental group Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is shocked by the landslide that occurred at the Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre in Jalan Pantai Acheh, Balik Pulau, yesterday.
SAM president Meenakshi Raman said, based on the information they obtained, the cause of the incident was the failure of stone pitching used for slope protection due to heavy rains that had caused large boulders to slide.
She said information obtained from the same source also revealed that the state Mufti Department was given a proposal sometime in 2016 or 2017 to make improvements for slope protection in the area by the Public Works Institute (Ikram) and the Public Works Department.
However, due to several factors, the proposal was rejected or not approved, she said.
"While the building at the centre is reportedly safe as there is no damage to its structure, we are concerned over the potential ramifications of the landslide. We call for urgent scrutiny from the authorities to prevent any untoward incident.
"The Penang government, local authority, state Mufti Department and the Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre must ensure immediate rectification and rehabilitation of the slope to ensure its safety and stability. Mitigation measures are needed to prevent the recurrence of landslides in future," she said today.
According to Meenakshi, nearby residents who are at risk, need to be evacuated to avert any further tragedies until their safety can be assured.
"SAM is of the view that all hillslopes and high risk areas on the island should be inspected regularly to ensure safety from incidences of erosion or landslides, especially during intense rainfalls, and with the advent of climate change, where we will face more frequent intense storms and heavy rains.
"SAM reiterates our stance of not supporting any hillslope development. We are concerned about such slope failures endangering lives and causing damage to property, besides the destruction of the hill ecosystem," she added
It was reported yesterday that the Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre was unsafe for occupation following a landslide triggered by a heavy downpour. Several large boulders also rolled down from the slope near the centre.
No one was injured in the 2.30pm incident.
Balik Pulau fire station chief Mohd Faris Idris had said initial observations found that the building was unsafe for occupation unless with the approval from the relevant authorities.
He had said cleaning up works were being carried out by the Public Works Department at the site and may take a day or two to complete.
The main road around Jalan Pantai Acheh has been temporarily closed to facilitate cleaning work.
Meanwhile, state Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari concurred that the stone pitching method for slope protection was not strong enough and had been in place for a long time now.
He said the Public Works Department would repair the slope using a more resilient method, namely tieback wall.
"The contractor to carry out the works will be appointed soon," he added.