Penang goes on high alert

No flooding so far but state task force monitors rising water levels.

GEORGE TOWN: A special state task force has been placed on a high alert to monitor water levels in Penang in the face of the widespread flooding in eight states.

Senior executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow said today the state government was well prepared to face any eventualities. The task force had been closely monitoring rising water levels in the state, as some rivers in mainland Seberang Prai originate from the highlands of Perak and Kedah.

However there have been no reports of flooding in the state, up to yesterday evening, despite the fortnight of intermittent heavy rain.

“Our special task force is on high alert and is closely monitoring the developments in Seberang Prai,” he said.

Chow said the state secretary and district officers would initiate all necessary standard operating procedures if and when an emergency occurred. Drains across the state were regularly cleared to prevent flash floods.

On New Year celebrations, he said it was up to the organisers to cancel their events as a mark of respect for the flood victims. “All countdown events are organised by event companies, and not the state government. It’s up to the companies to decide whether to proceed or not,” said Chow, who heads the Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation committee.