PENANG, Sept 17 — Landslides remain a major threat in Penang, causing residents in certain areas sleepless nights, especially during rainy days.

Just 18 years ago in September 1995, Penangites were shocked by the massive 60 landslides which occurred in the Penang Hill area following a freak storm that had damaged the pathway near the Penang Botanic Gardens.

Just months later in November, 14 landslides occurred in Teluk Bahang and three along Jalan Tun Sardon were reported in September 2008. Fortunately since then, no major landslide has been recorded.

Last Friday, however, a red alert was issued to stay clear of the jeep trail leading up to Penang Hill as 13 locations in and around the area were hit by the natural phenomenon after days of heavy rain.

Of the 13 locations revealed by Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari during a press conference, three spots at KM2.1, KM2.5 (station 84) and KM4.0 along the jeep trail were badly damaged.

“Since the Works Department had taken precautionary measures to expand the damaged roads by covering the drains with pipes, hikers are advised to be cautious when using the roads.

“While hikers are reminded to use the road at their own risk, they are not encouraged to use the track especially when it rains,” Zairil said.

“It is best to take the alternative route up Penang Hill via the funicular train,” he told The Malay Mail yesterday.

Zairil said it would take some four months to repair the damaged road at a cost around RM2 million.

When asked if rapid development had caused the slopes to become landslide-prone, Zairil dismissed it, saying weak ailing trees and soil erosion were the main causes of the natural disaster.

Penang Island Municipal Council councillor Lee Chun Kit gave the assurance that there would be no repeat of the 1995 landslides as authorities were looking into preventive measures.

Lee said he had been approached by several residents in Tanjung Bungah who had claimed that they were living in fear following several landslides due to continuous rain.

Meanwhile, state local government committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow was reported to have said that the council was carrying out remedial work in the area.

“Clearing work in the landslide-hit areas is in progress,” he said.