GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA: The Penang Government will adopt some of Hong Kong's measures for hillside development to ensure that a Bukit Antarabangsa-like tragedy does not happen here, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He said that he would discuss the measures the state should adopt with an independent panel of engineering experts set up by the state government to monitor all hillslope developments in Penang.

"It is likely that a new department similar to that of Hong Kong's Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) will be set up to oversee all local hillslope development," he told a press conference at Komtar here yesterday.

Lim said that they would formulate a strategy to reduce the risk of landslides in new developments by improving the slope stability.

"The Federal Government should also emulate the Hong Kong Government by setting up a GEO to improve slope safety nationwide.

"Slopes are found in many states and it is essential that they are properly maintained and lanscaped to enhance the city outlook," he said.

Lim said that the state had no choice but to allow such development projects which were approved by the previous administration but added that more stringent guidelines would be introduced.

Is this article useful to you?