World · Malaysia Bureau
Penang landslide claims doctor's life, triggers construction halt
A medical professional has died in a landslide incident in Penang, prompting authorities to suspend hillside development projects and order temporary evacuations. Local council officials have directed six households in potentially unstable residences to relocate as a precautionary measure.
LSN Malaysia ·
A doctor has been killed in a landslide that struck Penang, triggering an immediate review of safety conditions across the affected area. The incident has prompted authorities to halt ongoing construction work on a hillside condominium development and suspend related roadwork activities in the vicinity.
In response to the disaster, the local municipal council has issued relocation orders affecting six households occupying homes deemed to be at potential risk. Residents have been directed to move temporarily from their dwellings while structural and geological assessments are conducted to determine the stability of the surrounding terrain.
The authority's decision reflects growing concerns about construction practices on elevated terrain in the state. Officials are expected to conduct comprehensive evaluations of the site to establish whether additional safety measures are required before work can resume.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges in managing development in areas prone to landslips, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Authorities have not yet disclosed a timeline for when construction activities might recommence following the completion of safety reviews.