Penang city council orders freeze on all outdoor activities

 

Trekking, hiking, camping and other activities in high risk areas such as hill slopes have been ordered to cease with immediate effect.(Shutterstock pic)

PETALING JAYA: Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has announced a freeze on all outdoor recreational activities on the island effective immediately.

The council said the decision was made following an announcement by the Malaysian meteorological department (MetMalaysia) last Friday, warning of strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms that are expected to last until tomorrow.

“Trekking, hiking, camping and other activities in high-risk areas such as hill slopes, beach and flood-prone areas will cease with immediate effect,” it said in a statement.

The council also advised the public to stay vigilant and heed the weather warnings by MetMalaysia to avoid any untoward incidents, adding that they should always put safety first.

Last week, the Pahang fire and rescue department advised outdoor enthusiasts to postpone their hiking and picnic activities at recreational areas following bad weather.

On Friday, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced a freeze on all outdoor recreational activities around Batang Kali following a deadly landslide that buried three campsites.

Ninety-four people were caught in the landslide, 24 have been confirmed dead while nine others are still missing. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing. - FMT