GEORGE TOWN (Nov 2): Several Penang state assemblymen have called for a State Commission of Inquiry (SCI) to investigate the fatal landslide at Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong last week.

Lim Guan Eng (PH-Air Putih) said an independent inquiry was necessary to establish the cause of the incident and determine the responsibility of all parties, including the developer and landowner.

He said this was important to ensure justice for the victim's family.

"Those found responsible must be held fully accountable," he said when debating the 2027 Penang Budget at the state legislative assembly sitting here on Monday.

Dr Wong Kar Lin, 73, was killed when a landslide struck his home at 8.36am on Oct 25. His wife, Chang Mei Nuo, 68, and mother-in-law, Wong Poh Lim, in her 80s, survived.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PN-Sungai Dua) called for an SCI to investigate the project's approval process, including amendments made in 2023, and possible lapses in monitoring and enforcement by local authorities.

The Penang Opposition leader also 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.

Separately, Joseph Ng Soon Siang (PH-Air Itam) proposed an independent review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) and earthworks plans for developments on high-risk slopes.

He also called for regular safety audits and stricter enforcement to ensure compliance with slope safety requirements.

"The latest landslide on the hillside in Paya Terubong, which threatens residents' safety, is a serious warning that slope safety and development controls in hilly areas must not be taken lightly," he said.

The state assembly sitting continues on Tuesday.

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