Environmental group says Penang ignored landslide warnings before doctor's death

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has raised fresh questions about landslide prevention efforts in Penang after a doctor was killed in a slope collapse, claiming the state government repeatedly ignored warnings about geological risks in the area.

The environmental watchdog group says it had issued multiple alerts regarding vulnerable terrain and landslide susceptibility to state authorities prior to the incident. SAM stressed that the tragedy could have been preventable had proper attention been given to the documented warnings and recommended safety protocols.

In light of the fatality, SAM has demanded that the Penang government provide a comprehensive public explanation of why the identified landslide risks were not adequately addressed through appropriate mitigation measures or land-use restrictions.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about slope stability and land management practices in the state, particularly in residential and commercial areas built on hilly terrain. Environmental and urban planning experts have previously highlighted the need for enhanced geological surveys and stricter enforcement of building codes in landslide-prone zones across Penang.

The state government has not yet formally responded to SAM's allegations regarding the missed opportunities to prevent the incident.