Flood-prone areas under close watch as wet weather looms in Penang

The Penang Fire and Rescue Department has stepped up patrols and monitoring in flash flood-prone areas throughout the state following forecasts of rain and thunderstorms until Tuesday. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 08 Nov 2026 5:52 PM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 8 — The Penang Fire and Rescue Department has stepped up patrols and monitoring in flash flood-prone areas throughout the state following forecasts of rain and thunderstorms until Tuesday.

Its director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said the measures were aimed at ensuring that personnel remained at optimal readiness to deal with any possible disasters during the Northeast Monsoon.

“Based on weather forecasts issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), rain and thunderstorms are expected in several areas of Penang from today until Nov 10, with the three-day forecast indicating a relatively frequent rainfall pattern, particularly in the afternoons and evenings,” he told Bernama today.

He said today’s forecast indicated rain in several areas in the morning, followed by thunderstorms in most areas in the afternoon and rain in most places at night.

He said tomorrow’s weather was expected to be wetter, with rain in most areas in the morning and thunderstorms forecast across the state in the afternoon, followed by rain in most places at night.

Mohamad Shoki said that on Tuesday, rain was forecast in several coastal areas in the morning, while conditions were expected to ease slightly in the afternoon and evening, although thunderstorms and rain were still forecast in some areas.

He said that despite the expected wet weather, MetMalaysia had informed that no Level 1 (Alert) Continuous Rain Warning had been issued for Penang so far.

“Following the forecast, the Operations Division of the Penang Fire and Rescue Department advises the public to remain alert to the latest weather warnings issued by the authorities.

“Residents, particularly those living in low-lying and flash flood-prone areas, are urged to avoid travelling along high-risk routes during thunderstorms. Anyone requiring emergency assistance or evacuation is advised to immediately call the 24-hour emergency hotline at 999,” he said, adding that the department was fully prepared to deal with any possible disasters throughout the monsoon period to safeguard lives and public property.

He also shared that monitoring operations involving seven Fire and Rescue Stations on the island and in Seberang Perai, including low-lying settlements and major river basins, began last night and that river levels and water flow at all locations inspected remained under control.

Among the locations monitored in Seberang Perai were Sungai Jawi, Sungai Duri, Sungai Junjong and Sungai Kechil, as well as Kampung Sethu, Kampung Sepulau, Kampung Sanglang and Kampung Valdor, Mohamad Shoki added.

“Monitoring was also conducted at Lahar Yooi, Labuh Banting, Ayer Itam, Jalan Permatang Rawa, Jalan Betik and Jalan Soo Ban Kheang in Bukit Mertajam. On the island, patrols focused on areas around Teluk Kumbar and Balik Pulau, as well as several other hotspots under the supervision of the Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station,” he said.

He said patrols would continue to enable the Fire and Rescue Department to issue early warnings to residents should there be any sudden changes in water levels. — Bernama