Freak storm wreaks havoc on Penang Island

GEORGE TOWN : A freak storm wreaked havoc in several areas here and uprooted several trees on Monday (May 6) night.

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) said in a Facebook post that incidents were reported at 10 locations in Penang Island via its hotline.

It said the reported incidents happened between 11pm Monday and 1am Tuesday (May 7) and all of these complaints have been immediately forwarded to the MBPP Disaster Management Team for immediate action.

"Among the affected locations were Pintasan Cecil, Taman Bukit Gelugor, Jalan Bell, Park Road, Jalan Biggs, Jalan Cantonment and Jalan Macalister," it said.

Other places that were affected included the Indonesian Consulate along Jalan Burma, in front of EPF Tower at Jalan Sultan Ahmad and Hamna Flat in Sungai Dua.

It said that the Skuad Pantas MBPP was deployed to clear the debris and fallen trees and successfully completed the restoration work at all those locations.

The MBPP added that work at Hamna Flat at Jalan Sungai Dua had to be temporarily suspended due to the need for heavy machinery and safety concerns for the personnel.

"Congratulations and well done to the Skuad Pantas MBPP , who are always ready to undertake their duties regardless of time and weather conditions for the safety and well-being of the residents," it said.

MBPP also expresses its highest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department as well as the Civil Defence Force for their joint efforts in expediting the recovery actions.

For any complaints regarding fallen trees, landslides, and the like, please contact the MBPP Hotline at: 04-263 7000 / 04-263 7637 and 016-200 4082 (WhatsApp)

On the mainland, strong winds were also reported in several places in Sungai Dua and Kepala Batas.

Fortunately no casualties or damage were reported in the incidents.