Reduced to rubble: Chiu (left) helping workers clear the remnants of his restaurant walls that were hit by strong winds and big waves at Pantai Bersih. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUTTERWORTH: While Penangites are relieved with the rainfall recorded at the water catchment areas, the same cannot be said for those staying near coastal and low-lying areas in view of the monsoon transition period.
Beach restaurant owner Chiu Ah Chong, who operates along Pantai Bersih here, said he would stay vigilant and prepare for potential emergencies during this period.
His restaurant and seven others were destroyed by strong winds and violent waves that tore apart the concrete flooring, seafront extensions and ruined their kitchens last week.
“We have to stay informed about weather updates to minimise risks during such unpredictable times.
“We have to be ready to secure our properties even though there’s little we can do to stop the forces of nature.
“For now, I have started repairing the damage caused by the storm last week. I just hope that it won’t happen again.
“I am doing my best to bounce back and stay prepared for whatever comes next,” said the 68-year-old, who needs to spend about RM50,000 to repair the damage.
It was earlier reported that the Pantai Bersih restaurants were among the worst hit on Sept 17, with the highest tide level calculated to be at 2.4m.
A check at the site found that only Chiu had begun repair works, while the others had not resumed operations.
Chiu, who had to close shop for five days after the incident, said they were lucky as his staff managed to flee and there were no customers at that time.
He said big waves are normal in Bagan Ajam, but the incident last week was quite peculiar.
“As a fisherman, I know if there is an anomaly at sea. But this time, the waves were massive,” he said.
Penang Tourist Guides Association president Clement Liang said some of the old, abandoned buildings in the city centre which “harbour” ageing trees should be monitored.
“As the cost of removing old trees from buildings can be high, perhaps the local council can assist building owners by introducing a subsidy programme to make it more affordable.
“Implementing regular tree maintenance programmes could also prevent future hazards and reduce overall costs in the long run.
“These measures are essential to preserving the area’s heritage while ensuring a secure environment for residents and visitors alike,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Penang government, through the state Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) and several agencies, have been upgrading drainage infrastructure.
State infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said among the works carried out were the construction and expansion of retention ponds and detention basins to store excess rainwater during storms.
He said there were also works to widen the rivers and streams to improve their capacity to divert stormwater away from the highly populated areas.
“The aim is to manage heavy rainfall and mitigate the risk of flooding as the monsoon season approaches.
“The state also implemented the advanced flood forecasting and warning systems to provide early alerts to residents and authorities, allowing for timely evacuations and preparations,” he said.
He said large scale flood mitigation projects such as in Sungai Jawi, Sungai Pinang, Taman Silap, Sungai Kechil and Pondok Upeh were also being conducted together with DID.
He said to minimise the risk of landslides, the state government has also instructed the Public Works Department and both local councils to conduct regular inspections and monitoring of activities in hilly areas.
In Kedah, state housing, local government and health committee chairman Mejar (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria said the Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) in each district had been activated in preparation for the monsoon transition period.
He said the centre would be operated in collaboration with various agencies and departments to ensure assistance for the public during disasters such as floods and storms.
Mansor also said the state government is working with the National Disaster Management Agency, the National Security Council, the Civil Defence Force and the Fire and Rescue Department on the matter.
