GEORGE TOWN – Residents of two apartments in Lorong Bukit Kukus, Paya Terubong, are living in fear of a landslide as erosion has taken place in the area over the last few weeks, with the rainy season posing a further threat.
Just two years ago, a landslide struck the nearby Jalan Bukit Kukus, killing nine foreign workers at a construction site.
S. Guru, 60, who has been living at the Grandview Heights apartment since 1997, said the Penang Island City Council closed off part of the main road in front of the building and Bukit Saujana apartment after rocks fell from a nearby hill and onto vehicles.
He told a press briefing that no follow-up action has been taken since and the route remains blocked, inconveniencing residents.
“This road was closed during the Deepavali celebration in 2018. Now, Deepavali is getting closer, and the road is still closed without any follow-up action taken.
“If this route is safe, open it again. But if it’s not, do something before it's too late.”
Guru said he has filed a complaint with the community development and security committee, but officers merely inspected the area.
The same complaint was submitted to the city council and Public Works Department, he added, but they said the route is not their responsibility.
“This situation occurred because the developer has been declared bankrupt.”
He said prior to 2008, the authorities did “concrete nailing” on the hill in question, and now, the rocks there are cracked.
Since then, they often fall near the apartments, especially after a downpour.
“I hope this matter gets the attention of the authorities. We do not want to live in fear anymore, and we want a comfortable life,” said Guru.
Present at the briefing was environmentalist and former Tg Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu. – The Vibes, November 2, 2020
