Erratic weather: People at the Esplanade watching the huge waves splash over the wall at around 1am yesterday. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Falling trees, strong winds, high waves and downpours are keeping guests at beach hotels in Penang indoors.
The hotels have also been advising their guests to be cautious when outdoors, with one hotel even giving a six-hourly forecast to its guests.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa and Golden Sands Resort communications director Datuk Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said guests had been advised to be careful and not to wade into the waters if there were high waves.
“We even have a lifeguard monitoring guests who take a walk or go for a swim. We have not issued any advisory yet, but many guests have been hanging around the pool and coffeehouse areas as a ‘sit out’ time during downpours and strong winds.
“For now we are just taking the cautious approach, but if the strong winds and high waves continue, we may have to advise them against going to the beach for their own safety,” he said.
Suleiman added that guests were aware of the recent incident at Church Street, where a fallen tree killed two people in a car.
Lone Pine Hotel general manager Datuk Gulab Mahatam Rai said upon checking in, guests were informed about the choppy waters and told to be careful when going for a swim.
“Many guests spend time visiting the stalls along the Batu Ferringhi tourist belt or at the hotel’s pools, while others dine in at the hotel’s coffeehouse during the stormy weather,” he said.
However, it is business as usual for hotels in town, with guests walking over to hawker stalls or visiting heritage sites.
“There isn’t much issue with the town hotels as most of the guests stay indoors during a downpour and walk around when the rain stops,” said Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Tony Goh.
“Of course, we do tell them to be careful when there are strong winds and to stay indoors during a storm, but there isn’t much danger compared to beach hotels.
“However, our priority has always been the safety of guests, and we will advise them to be careful during bad weather and seek the assistance of the hotel staff members if they need any help,” he added.
