Grave folly to reverse current policy on hillslope development in Penang – SAM

Sahabat Alam Malaysia [SAM] is strongly opposed to any review of the present policy in the 2030 Penang Structure Plan, that prohibits any development on hillslopes above 76m or above 25- degree slope gradient.

We are very troubled to learn that the state is mulling changes to this policy in preparation for the 2040 Structure Plan, by allowing a relaxation of this rule to allow for hillslope developments above the 76 m limit.

This would be a grave folly and mistake if such a reversal of policy takes place, especially in this day and age of rising climate change impacts.

The current policy is in place precisely due to experiences of landslides, and slope failures which have happened in the past which have claimed lives and damaged homes and properties in Penang.

The Penang state government and the local government must enhance climate resilience and prepare for the increasing climate change impacts by retaining and strengthening the policy of limiting hillslope developments, instead of weakening it.

The recent events in Hat Yai in Thailand and Aceh in Sumatra show clearly the losses and damages seen due to heavy and intense rains which are becoming more and more frequent and grave.

Malaysia also has not been spared and instead of increasing our climate resilience, we seem to be decreasing our resilience by reversing the good and sound policy on hillslope developments.

The Penang state government must put the safety of the public and the environment  ahead of pressures from mighty developers who put profits ahead.

SAM will provide our feedback to the on-going publicity of the Report of Survey for the 2040 Structure Plan and will also work with other civil society groups to raise awareness among Penangites to mount opposition to the proposed changes being mulled by the state government.

We reiterate our call to the Penang state government not to reverse the current policy on limiting hillslope development.

Meenakshi Raman
President
Sahabat Alam Malaysia

Press Release, 10 December 2025