Gerakan is concerned with the danger posed by pre-war houses in George Town, especially Tanjung, and wants the state government to take positive steps to ensure the safety of nearby residents as well as passers-by.

Barisan Nasional’s co-ordinator for Padang Kota state constituency, Ng Song Kheng, said there were many dilapidated pre-war houses which were abandoned or uninhabited.

“Many of these buildings have been neglected, some with thick undergrowths. Some are also in danger of collapsing,” he said in a statement.

Ng, who is also Rangoon Road Gerakan branch, hoped the state government would look into the problem, to safeguard injuries or damage to surrounding houses.

Ng said the latest incident of old building collapsing happened in Market Street in Little India, Penang. The building collapsed on Tuesday, except for its walls.

Ng said Little India is now a hive of activities with many shoppers, as Deepavali approaches. But danger lurks as traders are selling their wares near the collapsed building.