GEORGE TOWN: With the southwest monsoon expected to begin tomorrow, Penang has taken measures to strengthen weather monitoring, disaster response coordination and aid for vulnerable communities.
State environment committee chairman Sundarajoo Somu said authorities would ensure the elderly, children and those with chronic diseases were protected during extreme weather, based on the Health Ministry’s heatwave guidelines.
“These guidelines outline the management of public health risks associated with extreme heat or heatwaves, including a structured action plan triggered by specific temperature thresholds.
“From the preparation phase to emergency measures, high-risk groups will be identified and given priority,” he said during the state assembly sitting yesterday.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the southwest monsoon is expected to persist until September, following consistent south-westerly winds.
During this time, lower humidity levels are expected to reduce cloud formation over most areas, resulting in fewer rainy days and drier conditions nationwide.
Sundarajoo said measures included ensuring monthly El Nino updates and daily heat status reports reach high-risk groups.
He added that forecasts of at least seven consecutive days without rain would also be relayed daily to the Department of Environment and other relevant agencies.
“We will monitor forest fire risks through seven-day forecasts, as well as haze forecasts,” he said.
Sundarajoo was responding to a written question from Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PN–Sungai Dua) on the state government’s preparedness for the El Nino phenomenon and support for the B40 group during such conditions.
He said vulnerable communities targeted under the heatwave and flood preparedness programmes included women, children, senior citizens, low-income residents and persons with disabilities.
“Financial assistance will be provided to all disaster victims regardless of socio-economic status through the Bantuan Wang Ihsan scheme,” he said, adding that a sum of RM1,000 each will be given to affected households and RM10,000 to the next of kin of disaster fatalities.
On preparedness for storms and tornadoes, which have become more frequent, Sundarajoo said the state government had enhanced its early warning system through the Penang Alert website and the Penang Island City Council’s Disaster and Weather Monitoring Module under the Virtual Island of Penang initiative for real-time weather monitoring and storm detection.
“Various infrastructure maintenance works have also been carried out, including pruning high-risk trees, maintaining roads and bridges, and repairing temporary evacuation centres.
“An allocation of RM80,000 was provided last year to ensure the safety and welfare of the people remain protected,” he added.
