This is the dramatic moment cars narrowly escaped being struck by rocks as heavy rain triggered a landslide in Malaysia.

Dashcam footage shows vehicles passing by as tall trees were uprooted and toppled onto the route, nearly burying passing cars, in Balik Pulau City, Penang State, at around 4:50 pm on Thursday.

Heavy rain had reportedly been falling in the area for some time before the incident occurred. Traffic was light as vehicles navigated the road, which runs along a forested cliff.

Authorities said the landslide also brought down a huge boulder measuring approximately 4ft.

There were no casualties, but at least one car sustained minor damage to its front end after being struck by debris.

Zairil Khir Johari, Head of the Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Department, said: 'Initial investigations have confirmed that persistent heavy rain and strong winds were the main factors causing the landslide and slope failure.'

Officials have issued an order to completely close the P14 route on Jalan Tun Sardon until further notice.