World · Malaysia Bureau
Environmental group calls for independent probe into Penang landslide
An environmental organisation has urged authorities to conduct an immediate independent safety audit of hillside development projects in Penang following a recent landslide incident. The group has raised concerns about construction activities in slope-prone areas.
LSN Malaysia ·
Environmental advocates in Penang are pushing for an urgent independent investigation into a recent landslide, citing safety risks from hillside development projects in the state. The environmental group has recommended that authorities commission a comprehensive safety audit to assess construction activities in slope-prone regions.
The call for an independent review underscores growing concerns about development practices in geologically sensitive areas. Hillside construction in Penang has attracted scrutiny from environmental organisations, which argue that inadequate safety measures and oversight could pose risks to nearby communities.
The group's recommendation includes a thorough examination of existing development projects in elevated terrain to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards. Authorities have not yet responded to the proposal for an independent audit.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between development interests and environmental safety in Penang, a state where rapid urbanisation has increasingly encroached on hill and slope areas. Environmental advocates argue that proactive safety measures and independent oversight are essential to prevent future incidents and protect residents.