The State Government notes with concern reports of loose boulders from the slope next to the Grandview Heights apartment in Lorong Bukit Kukus, Paya Terubong.
When the slopes first began showing signs of instability more than 20 years ago, steel netting was put in place to cover the rock slope. Soil nails were also inserted and a gabion wall was constructed to strengthen the slopes. In 2016, following incidences of loose rock rolling down, MBPP erected a centre median to prevent rocks rolling further onto vehicles and the buildings.
As this case has only just been brought to my attention, I will call for a meeting with all relevant departments. Among the options that the State will consider would be the appointment of geotechnical consultants to carry out a geotechnical study of the slopes along Lorong Bukit Kukus. The scope of the study will include rock slope stability analysis and soil investigation in the surrounding area. In addition, we will also consider doing a rock mapping study.
The State will be guided by the reports and recommendation of the studies for our next course of action.
ZAIRIL KHIR JOHARI
Penang State EXCO for Infrastructure & Transport