Soil continues to shift at Penang landslide site, prompting evacuations and safety measures

Soil continues to move at the landslide site in Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, Penang, where a 73-year-old doctor was killed after being trapped by soil and concrete. Northeast district officer Isma Suhaimi Shariff reported that the movement persists despite the lack of rain, raising fears of further collapse, especially during heavy downpours. Preliminary findings point to a leaking water channel and a clogged drain that allowed water to infiltrate the house, destabilising the ground, while a crane and a large concrete block on the site pose additional fall risks.

About 40 personnel from fire, police, civil defence, health and land offices rescued the victim after roughly 30 minutes and saved his 68-year-old wife and 86-year-old mother-in-law; six nearby homes were ordered evacuated for several days pending reports from the Penang Island City Council, Minerals and Geoscience Department and Public Works Department. Authorities have halted work near the area and are covering the exposed slope with plastic sheets to reduce water penetration. The incident is classified as an accident, with mitigation steps aimed at preventing further loss of life.