Jagdeep Singh Deo also said the Penang government prohibited developments beyond 76 metres in height.
He said since 2008, 13 such applications from the private sector and even federal government projects, had been rejected by the state government.
He also stressed the state government never compromised on safety at work sites and buildings in Penang, even if they were low-cost or affordable housing.
“I wish to reiterate the Penang state government’s stand that when we discover any such issue, where the safety of the building structure is compromised, whatever the type of building, be it even low-cost and affordable housing, we will demand that the structure be demolished or made good by the developers.”
He spoke to reporters after conducting a spot check on two affordable housing projects in Teluk Kumbar here today.
When asked whether the current state government had ever approved any hillside development beyond 76 metres in height since it took power, Jagdeep responded: “We will never approve it.”
Jagdeep also rejected claims by irresponsible parties that the affordable housing project in Tanjung Bungah here was hit by a landslide because it was built on a hill slope.
Eleven workers were buried alive in the landslide on Saturday.
Clarifying that the project was built on flat land, Jagdeep told critics it was best to leave the probe into the incident to the independent state commission of inquiry, which is expected to be approved this week.
Following the landslide, Jagdeep said that whenever conducting a spot check on the progress of any particular housing project in future, the team must include representatives from the local authorities as well.
“I have directed today that the local authorities must give me a report on all technical aspects, in particular the safety of all projects that I will be conducting spot checks on.
“I will continue to ensure that any development complies with all technical requirements, in particular the prohibition of developments beyond 76 metres.
“If there are cases such as the one in Tanjung Bungah recurring, we will demand that all parties responsible be held accountable,” he said.