A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) must be formed to look into the fatal landslide that occurred at a construction site in Tanjung Bungah, three Penang-based groups said today.

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Tanjung Bungah Residents Association (TBRA), in a joint statement, claimed the incident was not merely a construction site accident, but was caused by hillside development carried out without proper approval, and thus, a violation of law.

"CAP, SAM and TBRA are shocked that the state government and the Penang City Council (MBPP) have ignored concerns by the Department of Environment (DOE) over the construction site of the housing project in Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah, which neighboured a quarry.

"The state government and MBPP must explain why they did not pay heed to DOE's concerns that the site was unsafe, due to the lack of a buffer zone between the site and the quarry.

"The RCI must be thorough in ensuring all parties, from the state government to the chief minister, local councils to the contractor and developer, are held responsible for the tragedy," the statement read

The statement also called for the DOE to be more proactive in taking action in the matter, as the state government and the local council responsible "have clearly ignored its advice."

Additionally, the groups want the state government, local council, and developer to provide adequate compensation to the families of those killed in the tragedy.

"The families of the victims can come to CAP's office if they need any help.

"In fact, those who bought houses in the said project are entitled to full reimbursement, and the project should be immediately stopped, in the interest of safety."

The “worksite accident,” as described by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, occurred last Saturday, killing 11 - one Malaysian and 10 migrant workers.

The landslide occurred at the site earmarked for 980 units of affordable housing being developed by Taman Sri Bunga Sdn Bhd, which is part of the Boon Siew Group.

Pending investigations, a stop work order has been issued to the developer, while the contractor of the project was blacklisted.