Ever-prepared: About 800 firemen are ready for deployment during the monsoon, says Mohamad Shoki. They include Lebuh Pantai station personnel (below). — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: More than 250 areas have been identified as flood hotspots in Penang, says the state Fire and Rescue Department.
Its director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said central Seberang Perai has the most hotspots with 88, followed by north Seberang Perai (66) and south Seberang Perai (20).
On the island, there are 41 hotspots each in the northeast and southwest districts.
“We are entering the northeast monsoon, which is known to bring floods.
“Flash floods are now a bigger concern as they can occur suddenly and with heavy impact.
“It can displace residents and cut off roads, unlike typical storms that usually cause manageable issues such as fallen trees or blocked roads.”
In preparation for the inter-monsoon season, Mohamad Shoki said about 800 firemen were ready to be deployed.
“Our manpower and logistics are ready. The teams can respond quickly if needed, especially in hotspot areas.
“We are adopting a ‘no case yet, but prepared’ approach, maintaining a high level of readiness despite the state not experiencing major incidents recently.”
Mohamad Shoki urged the public to stay alert and act early.
“Residents in hotspot areas must not wait until water reaches their doorstep.
“Pay attention to updates from the authorities. Early action saves lives and reduces damage.”
Meanwhile, state infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said slope safety measures at both the Penang Hill Cable Car project and the Air Itam-Tun Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Package 2) have been reinforced to reduce landslide risks.
He said site teams conduct frequent inspections of drainage, erosion and soil movement, while exposed slopes were covered with tarpaulins and supported by temporary drains, silt fences and berms.
“Retaining walls, soil nails and reinforced structures have been installed at critical areas,” he said.
“Excavated material is either removed or securely stored.”
Zairil added that real-time monitoring tools, weather tracking and site inspections, would help detect any instability.
He said an Emergency Response Plan is also in place throughout the inter-monsoon period.
Updates are coordinated with geotechnical experts to ensure safety, compliance and protection of surrounding communities, he added.
“For the Package 2 project, most ongoing works involve rock slopes.
“For soil slopes that have already been formed, stabilisation was carried out using soil nails and guniting.
“These works were executed in accordance with the design provided by the geotechnical engineer and reviewed by the accredited checker,” said Zairil.
He also said the Penang Island City Council conducted regular inspections of hilly and sloped areas across the island.
Zairil said the periodic inspections include agricultural activities on hill slopes to ensure that these activities comply with safety guidelines.
He said the Works Ministry also allocated annual funding for the maintenance of high-risk slopes.
