THE Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre building in Jalan Pantai Acheh, Balik Pulau, Penang is unsafe for occupancy after a landslide occurred in the area today.

Balik Pulau Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Faris Idris said they received an emergency call on the landslide at 2.30pm but there were no casualties in the incident.

“On arrival, the fire brigade found a landslide near the building believed to have been caused by heavy rain in the area which lasted more than an hour.

“Preliminary monitoring by the firemen found that the building is not safe to occupy now pending approval from relevant authorities,” he told reporters at the scene.

He said the main access road around Jalan Pantai Acheh has been temporarily closed to nearby residents to enable clean-up work in the affected area.

“The public is advised to exercise caution when using roads in the surrounding area, especially during heavy rain,” he added.

Meanwhile, State Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari said the Southwest district Public Works Department (PWD) is carrying out the clean-up work.

“It will take time as it involves large rocks,” he said when contacted today.

Several areas around Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang experienced heavy rainfall for more than two hours since 12.30pm today, resulting in flash floods in low-lying areas. – Bernama, August 16, 2021.