Komtar flooded, people stuck in lifts that are jammed

Several floors in the Penang state government's administrative centre, Komtar, were flooded today, causing the lifts to be jammed.

According to a source at the scene, "there is water cascading down the blue lift shafts".

The source told Malaysiakini: "Level 53 is flooded. I heard other floors as well. I think there is some water tank problem. It is not raining.

"There is water falling through the ceiling now. Blue lifts are all closed and people are stuck.

"Staff are walking down to levels 42 and 26, where they can access green and yellow lifts."

The 53rd floor is where the state executive councillors' offices are housed.

According to a staff from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's office, the problem is due to "burst pipes".

Malaysiakini is attempting to contact the management company of Komtar, PDC Setia Urus Sdn Bhd, for its comment on the flood problem.

When contacted, Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy said a pipe burst in one of the floors was affecting the lifts.

"I had to climb 10 floors, from 42 to 52. There could be an evacuation, we are waiting for instructions.

"Lifts might not be safe to use for a while. The state executive council meeting might be interrupted," Ramasamy said.

A press conference held by state executive councillor in charge of environment, welfare and caring society, Phee Boon Poh, on "Meatless Date" had to be shifted from the 53rd floor to the third floor due to the flooding. - Mkini