However, Penang state executive councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Zairil Khir Johari said that stabilisation works had not yet been completed in some sections when the landslide occurred.
“Unfortunately, the section that had yet to be completed was the one affected by the landslide,” he told Bernama, adding that further investigations are ongoing.
Despite the dry weather, soil movement can still be detected at the landslide site, said northeast district officer Isma Suhaimi Shairff.
Preliminary findings indicate that a leaking water pipe on the slope and clogged drains may have caused water to accumulate, triggering the landslide, Bernama reported him as saying.
He added that a heavy crane and large concrete blocks at the site could fall if the ground shifts further.
Meanwhile, the exposed slope will be covered with plastic sheeting to protect it from rain, and six houses in the area have been ordered to evacuate, Isma Suhaimi said.
