POLICE have kept a security cordon around the landslide-hit area in Paya Terubong, Penang, as authorities assess the risk of further ground movement following the death of a 73-year-old doctor.
Six houses have been evacuated, and their occupants are staying in hotels while awaiting further developments.
Northeast district police chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad said there was no fixed timeline for lifting the restrictions, as police were awaiting the outcome of discussions among the relevant technical authorities.
He said police personnel would remain at the scene to prevent trespassing and keep the public away from the affected area.
“Our role is to ensure the safety of the area and protect the six houses left vacant by their occupants.
“We are not technical experts in landslide assessment,” he said after visiting the site on Monday.
Abdul Rozak said continued rainfall could increase the risk of another landslide, urging residents and members of the public to obey police instructions and stay away from the restricted area.
The landslide struck a house in Lebuh Rambai 13, Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, Air Itam, at about 8.36 am on Sunday, killing doctor Wong Kar Lin.
Wong was buried beneath collapsed concrete and soil. Firefighters recovered his body at about 11.20 am.
His wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 67, and mother-in-law, Wong Poh Lim, who is in her 80s, survived after escaping from the house.
They were upstairs while Wong was preparing breakfast in the kitchen when the incident occurred.
A post-mortem found that Wong died from blunt-force injuries to the chest and breathing difficulties caused by the pressure of being buried under the debris.
Abdul Rozak said the post-mortem results were received at about 3 am on Monday, with the investigating officer present during the examination.
Police are continuing their investigation, with the case classified as sudden death.
He said police were alerted by the victim’s son, who reported that a landslide had struck the house and left his father trapped inside.
Police officers and firefighters were then dispatched to the scene.
Abdul Rozak also confirmed that no other police reports related to the incident had been received. – October 26, 2026
