Penang:Several Penang state assemblymen have urged the establishment of a State Commission of Inquiry (SCI) to investigate the fatal landslide at Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, which occurred last week.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lim Guan Eng (PH-Air Putih) emphasized that an independent inquiry is essential to ascertain the cause of the incident and to identify the responsibilities of all involved parties, including the developer and landowner. This step is deemed crucial to ensure justice for the victim's family, with Lim asserting that those found responsible should be held fully accountable.

Dr. Wong Kar Lin, aged 73, lost his life when the landslide hit his home at 836 am on October 25. His wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 68, and mother-in-law, Wong Poh Lim, who is in her 80s, survived the disaster.

Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PN-Sungai Dua) also called for an SCI to examine the project's approval process, including amendments made in 2023, and to investigate any potential lapses in monitoring and enforcement by local authorities. Additionally, the Penang Opposition leader urged the state government and the Public Works Department's (JKR) Geotechnical Branch to conduct a forensic audit of all 31 slopes identified by the Fire and Rescue Department as being at risk of collapse.

In a separate statement, Joseph Ng Soon Siang (PH-Air Itam) recommended an independent review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), and earthworks plans for developments on high-risk slopes. He also advocated for regular safety audits and stricter enforcement to ensure adherence to slope safety requirements, highlighting the landslide as a critical warning that slope safety and development controls in hilly areas must be rigorously maintained.

The state assembly sitting is set to continue tomorrow.