FALLEN trees and branches due to the heavy rainfall in Penang last Friday had also blocked many hiking trails on Penang Hill.
However, the hiking paths were cleared, thanks to unsung heroes who swung into action over the weekend.
Three groups who call themselves Penang Happy Hikers, Kili Club and 101 Group were busy at work at several trails which lead to the Level Five rest station.
Many of them brought along tools such as saws, cutters, axes and rakes.
Penang Happy Hikers deputy leader Tony Lim, 62, was among those who sprung into action.
“Many other hikers who were passing by also came to help. There were about 50 of them over the weekend,” he said.
He said the trails were deep inside the jungle and it was not easy for workers from the Penang Island City Council or Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd to reach the locations.
“We need to clear the paths for the safety of hikers.
“The paths have become muddy and slippery with leaves strewn all over,” said Lim, who has been helping to clear hiking trails for the past four years.
Meanwhile, water released from the catchment area in the Penang Botanic Gardens caused part of the garden to become flooded after the stream overflowed.
Penang Botanic Gardens Department director Mohd Azwa Shah Ahmad said the water caused the surrounding area of the waterfall to become flooded.
“It was bad on Friday during the downpour, but now the situation has improved and recovery works will be carried out soon,” said Mohd Azwa.
A check by The Star at press time showed that the soil and cement base of a resting shed had eroded due to the flooding and water was still flowing out of the stream.
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