H’ng and Mohomad Shoki (fifth and sixth from left) at the handing over of 10 boats to Community Fire Services Rescue teams at the Fire and Rescue Services Department headquarters in Batu Kawan, Penang. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
THE overflow of Sungai Kulim partly contributed to flooding in Penang between Oct 20 and 24.
State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said continuous rainfall upstream in Kulim, Kedah, caused the river to breach its banks, with the excess water spilling onto low-lying areas of northern mainland Penang, particularly in North Seberang Perai District.
“Floodwaters entered parts of Penang through the shared drainage basin that connects with Sungai Prai,” he told reporters after handing over 10 boats worth RM12,000 to the Community Fire Services Rescue team at the department’s headquarters in Batu Kawan.
The new boats, he said, would strengthen response capability at the community level during flood emergencies.
Geographically, Sungai Kulim flows southwest from the foothills of Gunung Bongsu in Kedah before merging with the Sungai Prai basin that straddles the Kedah-Penang border.
When the river overflows upstream, excess water naturally drains toward North Seberang Perai District, flooding low-lying border villages such as Ara Kuda and Kubang Semang.
Mohamad Shoki said the department was maintaining close surveillance on 53 known flood hotspots across the state during the northeast monsoon.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department personnel inspecting assets in preparation for the northeast monsoon.
“The geographical link between the Kulim and Prai basins means Penang will always have to monitor rainfall in southern Kedah as part of our early- warning system,” he said.
State local government committee chairman Jason H’ng, who was present, said the handover of the boats represented the trust, shared responsibility and unity between the government, agencies and people.
He reminded the teams to maintain the boats and ensure they were in good working order at all times.
“You have been entrusted with the responsibility of being the eyes and hands of your local communities,” he said.
“When disaster strikes, you are the first to reach those in need.”
H’ng said Penang was feeling the effects of climate change with heavier rain, king tides, falling trees and landslides becoming more frequent.
“In recent weeks, we faced major challenges, especially in Seberang Perai and Southwest District on the island.”
He said the state government was determined to act before disasters occurred, not after.
“The state has allocated RM2mil for flood relief and preparedness this year, of which RM270,000 has been channelled to high-risk districts.
“Penang is also implementing 14 major flood mitigation projects worth RM1bil,” he said.
“These efforts, combined with community readiness and JBPM’s proactive measures, will strengthen Penang’s resilience against the impacts of climate change,” H’ng added.
