CIVIL groups are urging the Penang government to halt all infrastructure projects on hill slopes, following yet another fatal landslide at a construction site.

They also called on the state to scrap proposed projects.

It was reported that three people were killed in a landslide at a road construction site in Paya Terubong this afternoon, and that several others remain missing.

However, as at 7pm, the authorities have confirmed only two deaths. One person, who suffered a broken leg, has been rescued.

The authorities have yet to confirm the number of people trapped under the landslide.

“When will they (the state government) learn?” said Sahabat Alam Malaysia honorary secretary and Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association chairman Meenakshi Raman.

She said there have been many warnings against projects on hill slopes, especially since last October’s fatal landslide at a Tanjung Bungah condo construction site, which claimed 11 lives.

The inquiry into last year’s incident revealed that there was a lack of monitoring and enforcement at the site, she said.

“This shows that we cannot rely on the authorities. How many lives do we have to lose?”

Meenakshi said such projects are “disaster invitations” during the rainy season, adding that workers often lack protection.

“Are they (the authorities) still sleeping? Where are they after the projects are approved? Are they following guidelines, and doing monitoring and enforcement?

“We are disappointed and angry. How can you allow this? Just stop all hill infrastructure projects,” she said, adding that the hill slope at the Paya Terubong site is steep.

She urged the state government to order an inquiry into today’s landslide.

Meenakshi was speaking to reporters outside the construction site where the landslide happened. Present were Penang Forum’s Dr Lim Mah Hui and Dr Kam Suan Pheng.

Penang Forum, a coalition of state civil societies, has criticised the state government over its plan to build more roads and highways on Penang island, such as the Pan Island Link 1 and North Coast Pair Road, which will cut through hilly areas.

“We don’t know what exactly happened. But it shows the risks involved when you tamper with nature,” said Lim.

The former Penang Island City Council member said what is clear, however, is the authorities’ weak monitoring.

“This is a wake-up call. The state should really wake up and not say it was a workplace tragedy.”

Kam, a soil expert, said Penang Forum had twice raised the matter of hill-clearing at the site, based on observation made by Penang Hills Watch.

“We were told that it is for the road project, and the work is being monitored. That was all.

“We are now puzzled as to why such an incident happened.”

She said members of the public have sent images to Penang Forum, showing how heavy rain forced soil and mud downhill and onto the road, like what had happened last November during a storm.

“When construction works cause the soil to be exposed, the contractors just cover the exposed area with plastic sheets. Plastic sheets don’t last long. But this goes on, year after year.

“The authorities should pay more attention and take action. The incident today has cost both human lives and the environment.” – October 19, 2018.