The Penang government refuted today a fake Nasa report on an impending disaster in the state due to strong winds.
State secretary Farizan Darus said that the report, which went viral on social media, had already been debunked by the Meteorological Department.
"Don't spread rumours or unverified reports.
“The public can get updated and verified news from the website, Facebook and Twitter page of the Meteorological Department, or call their hotline," Farizan said at a press conference in Komtar, Penang.
The fake report warns the public to stay at home or go to a safer area as strong winds, heavy rains and floods will hit Penang again this weekend, and would cause more destruction than the “freak storm” on Nov 4 and 5, which displaced thousands and killed seven.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (photo), who was also at the press conference, said rumours such as these would jeopardise tourism in Penang.
"We don't want rumours that will disturb our trading, business and tourist environment, we do not want people to think we have problems, Penang is safe for tourists.”
He added that Penang has mostly recovered from the floods, as local authorities, assisted by NGOs and volunteers, have carried out a large-scale cleanup operation over the weekend.
'No confidence'
Lim also noted that it was understandable why people believed in the fake report because of the lack of confidence in the Meteorological Department.
"This has also been admitted by certain federal leaders. They (the department) issued an alert but nothing (happened).
“When they said it would not rain last night, it did in Penang," Lim quipped.
Lim recalled that on Nov 4, the department only issued an alert at 9pm, when the state was already hit by strong winds and heavy rainfall.
"Why is there a need for the department then when you cannot give us (an) accurate reading? Is the money spent on the department justified?" Lim asked.
"They should explain why they only issued a red alert at the eleventh hour in Penang, and not earlier on Nov 4," he added.- Mkini
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