BALIK PULAU: Several roads and hiking trails in Penang have been temporarily closed after continuous heavy rain since Wednesday triggered landslides, soil movement and fallen trees across the state.
Among the affected routes are Jalan Tun Sardon in Balik Pulau, the Penang Hill Heritage Trail, and the access road to the Air Itam Dam and its surrounding areas, all of which have been fully closed to the public.
Meanwhile, Jalan Titi Kerawang in Teluk Bahang has been partially closed, with only light vehicles allowed to pass through.
State infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari warned that more landslides could occur with the ongoing downpour, urging the public to remain vigilant, especially when travelling along hillside roads.
“The heavy rain caused 17 sections along Jalan Tun Sardon in Balik Pulau to collapse, prompting a full closure from 6pm on Oct 23 to 6pm on Oct 25.
“The most serious collapse was at KM5.10, where active soil movement was observed when our officers arrived,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Storm damage: JKR officers inspecting critical slope failure at KM5.10 of Jalan Tun Sardon, Balik Pulau, after heavy rain and strong winds. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Zairil said that cleaning and stabilisation works are underway to clear debris and reopen the road as soon as possible, and a detailed technical study will also be conducted to assess the scope of repairs, costs and long-term mitigation measures.
He said the slope failures were triggered by prolonged rain and strong winds, causing soil erosion and water saturation that weakened the ground.
He said a section of Jalan Titi Kerawang was partially closed after minor slope movement was detected.
Minor landslides and slope movements were also reported at Pearl Hill, Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi, Paya Terubong, Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kumbar and Bukit Bendera.
Zairil reminded motorists to avoid hillside routes during heavy rain and to remain cautious even after rainfall stops, as the ground may remain unstable.
“The public can help by reporting new incidents or hazards through the MBPP hotline at 016-200 4082, the Public Works Department (JKR) disaster line at 04-289 3333, or via the Pearl App,” he said.
The Penang Hill Heritage Trail was also closed temporarily after a minor slope failure occurred along one section.
In a statement on Facebook, Penang Hill Corporation said clearing works are being carried out to ensure visitor safety.
Separately, the Penang Water Supply Corporation said the access road to the Air Itam Dam and its surrounding areas has been closed until further notice after trees fell along the route.
“Our maintenance and safety teams are conducting clearing and assessment works to ensure the area is safe for public use,” it said in a statement.
State JKR director Datuk Ahmad Nadzri Abdul Majid said three main hotspots have been identified: Jalan Tun Sardon in Balik Pulau, the Balik Pulau Federal Road in Teluk Bahang and the Tanjong Tokong-Batu Ferringhi Federal Road.
As of 3pm yesterday, the daily national disaster report said 623 people had been evacuated to four relief centres in the southwest district and Seberang Perai.
