A GEO-TECHNICAL report conducted by the Malaysian Public Works Institute last year has found that the Penang Botanic Gardens expansion project can be safely implemented.

State Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) director Hanapi Mohamad Noor said the study was carried out a year ago, and the report was submitted to them in January.

“However, we are seeking the assistance from the UiTM Shah Alam’s International Disaster Prevention Research Centre to visit the site and review the study.

“The experts from UiTM will be here next week, and once we get the reviewed version of the study, we don’t mind making it public to get feedback,” he said.

“We are not disturbing the hilly areas and works are only conducted at the sites of the demolished batik handicraft centre and the Waterfall Cafe,” he told reporters after the launching of a Water Quality Awareness and Enhancement programme in conjunction with Malaysia Environment Week organised by DID on Wednesday.

Hanapi said the report also showed that there were no loose rocks and that the foundation was stable.

He said the it was safe to implement the project there, as most importantly, there were no disturbances to the hillslopes.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, who was also present at the event, said a retaining wall would also be constructed. “We are carrying out preliminary works at the moment, and DID has consulted the experts pertaining to soil erosion and so on,” he added.

“DID, the project’s implementing agency, is well versed with the report and is also seeking additional advice from UiTM. We are transparent and not hiding anything,” he added.

A group of NGOs and concerned citizens had earlier urged the state government to conduct a geo-technical study on the Penang Botanic Gardens expansion before proceeding with the project.

The group was concerned about the unnecessary felling of trees and a possible landslide in the area.

Malaysian Nature Society Penang chairman Kanda Kumar said the entire area had been levelled for the proposed eco-stream walk and car park, adding that trees had also been cut down unnecessarily.

“Whatever development that takes place must accommodate the existing trees, not the other way around. Another major concern is a landslide threat. The area where the Visitors Centre is supposed to be built is located directly in front of a hilly slope where a landslide had occurred in 1962,” he said.

Kanda Kumar was disappointed that the authorities failed to stick to the original project plan discussed with the NGOs earlier.

“What was disclosed during the earlier briefings with us is inconsistent with what’s happening now. We just want to make sure that the environment is protected and that the people’s safety is not compromised,” he said.

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