Jalan Tun Sardon Landslide: Cleanup Underway, Technical Probe To Follow - Exco

BALIK PULAU, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- A detailed technical investigation into the landslide incident along Jalan Tun Sardon (Bukit Baru) here will be carried out once cleanup works at the site have been completed, said Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.

He said the priority now is to complete the cleanup works being conducted by a Public Works Department-appointed contractor so that the route can be reopened to vehicles.

He added that the road is fully closed to all traffic from 6pm yesterday until 6pm tomorrow.

“Preliminary investigations confirmed that the landslide and slope failure were caused by heavy rain and strong winds. 

“Repair and mitigation measures, including costs and so on, will be decided after receiving reports from technical agencies,” he said after surveying the landslide site here today, together with state JKR director Datuk Ahmad Nadzri Abdul Majid.

Zairil said that the landslide site is still unsafe, as there is still soil movement due to water seepage, but continuous monitoring is being carried out.

He added that in addition to the critical slope collapse at KM 5.10 of Jalan Tun Sardon, the stretch of road also recorded 15 open slopes, seven fallen trees, four rockfalls and one instance of road subsidence.

“This morning, a critical landslide incident was reported along the federal road FT06 near Titi Kerawang Bendera, resulting in part of the road being closed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zairil said that overall, 31 fallen tree incidents were reported to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), with immediate action taken in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Force, MBPP rapid response team, Geotechnical Division, the Northeast and Southwest District JKR and police.

He advised road users to remain vigilant and drive cautiously, especially during heavy rain, adding that for any reports or assistance, the public can contact the MBPP hotline at 016-2004082, the JKR disaster hotline at  03-26107727 or lodge reports via the Pearl Apps mobile application.

Yesterday, the media reported that the landslide incident along Jalan Tun Sardon occurred at about 4.30 pm, causing trees to fall and block the roadway.

The terrifying moment was captured on a vehicle’s dashboard camera, showing the driver narrowly avoiding the landslide by stopping in time.

-- BERNAMA