Tip-top shape: Butterworth fire station chief Mohd Razlan Khalid and his firemen making sure their boat is at its optimum level for the upcoming monsoon season at the Fire and Rescue Department’s Marine Jetty in Mak Mandin, Butterworth. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The Fire and Rescue Department has identified 233 flood hotspots in Penang, with more than 2,000 personnel and over 100 boats placed on standby throughout the inter-monsoon period.
State Fire and Rescue Department operations deputy director Khairy Sulaiman said firemen have been put on high alert for immediate deployment.
“We have 863 personnel, supported by an additional 1,354 volunteer firefighters.
“At sea, we have a rescue boat along with 26 smaller boats for inland operations, in addition to 33 pick-up trucks and 10 lorries, all in excellent condition.
“If necessary, the helicopter stationed at the airbase in Kepala Batas is ready to be used. The volunteer firefighting squads have an additional 96 boats to support our efforts,” he said yesterday.
Khairy said all fire stations had inspected their equipment, adding that the preparations were crucial ahead of the king tide phenomenon expected from today through Monday.
“During this period, we advise beachgoers and those conducting activities along the coastline to exercise caution.
“We will be working closely with the state Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) and Public Works Department (JKR) to monitor rising levels at rivers and slope erosions that may trigger landslides,” he said.
Based on tide tables, Penang waters are expected to reach tide levels of between 2.8m and 3.1m CD (chart datum), with peak times between midnight and early morning.
Penang infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the JKR and local councils have been carrying out inspections of all activities conducted in hilly and slope areas from time to time.
“The local councils have also provided farmers and gardeners in these areas with essential safety briefings,” he stated.
Zairil added that hillside developments would be subjected to Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) that must be maintained to ensure public safety and protect the environment.
“This includes flood mitigation projects or drainage system upgrades such as ditch-size upgrade projects and construction of flood reservoirs.
“There will be minimum slope cutting to ensure that topographic surfaces with trees and natural water flow in hilly or sloping areas are well maintained,” he said.
Zairil said the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass (Package Two) would also be closely monitored during the inclement weather.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) said it had pruned trees and issued alerts amid adverse weather conditions during the monsoon season.
“Trees along roads, bypaths and frequently-visited areas are closely monitored.
“The PHC hill maintenance team is on standby to clear any fallen trees or those that may pose safety risks to visitors.
“We cleared 58 trees on the hill along the Jeep Track recently,” it said.
The PHC stated that monitoring systems to track high wind speeds are in place, along with safety teams ready to conduct inspections following the issuance of a high alert.
It also advised visitors to check weather forecasts and avoid outdoor activities such as hiking during heavy rains.
“During rainfall, visitors are encouraged to seek shelter at the Penang Hill station or other designated areas and follow instructions from PHC staff during emergencies.
“For a more enjoyable visit, it is recommended to bring along an umbrella or poncho and wear appropriate footwear for wet conditions,” it said.
