He said Balik Pulau, located on the western hinterland of Penang island and separated by the Penang Hill range, had only two main roads connecting it to the more developed eastern coast.

“These two roads are prone to landslides, flash floods, and falling rocks and boulders from the hills during heavy rain,” Bakhtiar said, adding that a tunnel would provide a long-term, secure alternative when the main roads are blocked.

“A tunnel to Bukit Jambul would give us a safer and more stable route, especially when our roads fail during storms or emergencies,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

Bakhtiar cited the recent landslide at Jalan Tun Sardon as evidence of the area’s vulnerability to slope hazards.

“We cannot treat slopes merely as a geotechnical issue and accidents as a traffic issue. Both require an integrated system with real-time monitoring and early warning mechanisms,” he said.

He also urged the ministry to consider the model of Hong Kong, which uses strict slope audits and robust engineering standards to minimise risks.

“Hong Kong has shown that strict slope audits, high engineering standards and rain-based alerts can significantly reduce landslide risks. This approach should be adapted here,” he said, suggesting that the feasibility study be included in the next Malaysia Plan.

A major landslide struck Jalan Tun Sardon on Oct 23 after days of heavy rain, blocking both lanes with mud, fallen trees and large boulders.

The road, one of only two lifelines in and out of Balik Pulau, remained closed for several days, causing long detours and heavy congestion.

It was reopened after crews from the public works department completed clearance and slope stabilisation works.