Landslide blocks major route along Jalan Tun Sardonn in Penang

A severe landslide triggered by torrential rainfall struck the roadways of Penang Island on 23 October 2025, sending massive boulders and fallen trees cascading onto both lanes of Jalan Tun Sardon, the primary hillside route connecting Balik Pulau and Relau. The incident occurred at approximately 4:45 pm as motorists navigated the hillside road, and dash-cam footage shows the cliff giving way just ahead of passing vehicles.

Emergency response teams from the Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), alongside the public works and police departments, were deployed after the distress call. JBPM assistant director John Sagun Francis reported finding a section of hillside collapse measuring approximately 9 m by 6 m, with no immediate injuries or vehicle entrapments confirmed.

As a result of the collapse, the entire road was ordered closed to all traffic until further notice, with alternative routes advised. Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chair Zairil Khir Johari instructed motorists to reorganise travel plans and expect disruptions while clearance and comprehensive risk assessment continue. 

State authorities noted that additional smaller landslips and signs of slope erosion were detected in the surrounding hillside after the heavy rain event, heightening concern for further instability along the corridor.

This major closure underscores the vulnerability of hillside routes in Penang during intense rainfall, particularly where steep terrain and saturated soils increase the risk of slope failure.