‘Reduce marine, coastal activities until tomorrow’
PENANG: The state Meteorological Services Department wants all marine and coastal activities to be reduced until 12.30pm tomorrow.
A spokesman said smaller aftershocks from Sunday’s Sumatran earthquake could trigger off tidal waves until tomorrow.
“These aftershocks will be of smaller intensity compared to the one on Sunday.
“They might not be as intense as the first but they can still be destructive depending on the height of the waves and the location,” he said.
“But we cannot predict whether any new quakes will occur,” he said, adding that factory operations should continue as usual.
The Star received many queries from the public regarding SMS rumours of another quake later in the day and that the Penang Bridge would be closed.
The original SMS message read: “Do not go to seaside or cross PG bridge between 7pm and 8pm. EARTHQUAKE may happen again... fr ASTRO News Pls inform others.”
Astro has denied sending the message.
A check with the meteorological services department in Kuala Lumpur revealed that the officers were also puzzled by the rumours.
A spokesman said a series of 16 aftershocks were recorded up until yesterday morning but they were not strong enough to be felt.
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers northern branch chairman Datuk O.K. Lee said rumours that another quake would strike were causing unnecessary panic among factory workers.
The SMS rumours were adding fuel to fire, he added.
He said the sale of pre-paid telephone cards should be controlled by registering buyers’ particulars as a way to check rumour-mongering.
PLUS Expressways Bhd said the Penang Bridge was structurally sound and was not damaged by Sunday’s quake.
It also said the bridge was not closed for inspection works.
Those in doubt should contact the PLUS traffic-monitoring centre at 1800 88 0000 for traffic updates on the bridge and the North-South Expressway.
PLUS is also sending road sweepers and high-pressure vacuum trucks to help in cleaning up Batu Ferringhi.
A check with the Penang Port Commission showed that port facilities were not damaged and no distress calls had been received from vessels out at sea.
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