Special squads all set to ensure water flows freely

GEORGE TOWN: Special squads from local authorities and the state Drainage and Irrigation Department have been monitoring rubbish traps and pump houses in view of the coming La Nina season.

“We will ensure that rubbish is cleared to prevent flash floods since the wet spell is coming,” said Penang Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.

He identified several flood-prone areas such as Bayan Lepas, Teluk Kumbar and the fringe areas in Sungai Pinang such as Kampung Makam, Kampung Masjid and Jalan P. Ramlee.

Chow said Transfer Road was another hotspot as the construction of drainage was still ongoing.

“Some areas are subjected to the tidal effect as there will be flash floods even when there is no rain.

“It could be worse if heavy rain is accompanied by high tide,” he said.

On the mainland, the flood-prone areas are Alma, Permatang Rawa, Padang Lalang, Permatang Tok Subuh, Taman Bagan, Taman Cantek and low-lying areas in Jawi.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department website, Penang will be experiencing rains and isolated thunderstorms for the next five days starting today.

Penang Fire and Rescue Depart­ment director Azmi Tamat said his men were ready to face the possibility of floods.

Each of the 17 fire stations in the state has at least one boat to be utilised during an emergency.

Azmi said only 10% of the 760-strong workforce in the state was allowed to go on leave during Ramadan and the Raya season.

He also advised the public to keep important documents in sealed packages and place them on higher ground during the wet spell.

“They should also check their electric cables to avoid being electrocuted,” he said.