SEVERAL organisations have expressed concerns over the recent landslide at Taman Lau Geok Swee in Paya Terubong on July 14.

In a joint statement, the group said that the landslide in Paya Terubong revealed the danger of allowing developments on hill slopes and hills that are environmentally sensitive.

“Since the Penang Structure Plan 2020 is pending, the state should ensure the explicit prohibition of any future development on hill lands except for essential public amenities.

“The state should also stop approving any further applications for excision of the status of ‘hill lands’ from the Land Conservation Act 1960,” the statement read.

“They pose serious environmental and social impact to residents in neighbouring lands such as soil erosion, landslides, landslips, unstable soil and negative impact from blasting works,” the statement said.

They also urged the state to revise or redefine the ‘special projects’ pending a revision of the Penang Structure Plan 2020.

The statement was jointly issued by representatives from Tanjung Bungah Residents Association, Taman Sri Rambai / Taman Lau Geok Swee Residents Association, Management Corporation of Sunrise Garden Condominium, Management Committee of Solok Kelicap, Taman Sri Nibong Residents Association and Pykett Residents Committee, among others.