GEORGE TOWN, September 4 – Several areas, including the vicinity of Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar), were hit by flash floods following heavy rainfall that began at 11 a.m. on Monday. In addition to Komtar, other areas affected by flash floods include Tanjung Tokong, Air Itam, Datuk Keramat, Jalan Transfer, Jalan Rangoon, Jalan Macalister, and Jalan Magazine. On Jalan Macalister, one of the most severely affected places was a popular nasi kandar (Malaysian food) restaurant where water overflowed into the dining area.
A survey of Jalan Transfer found that water had filled the main road but was still passable for light vehicles. The flash floods caused severe traffic congestion in the city. According to Komtar State Assemblyman Teh Lai Heng’s Facebook page, several areas in Komtar and the surrounding areas were submerged up to knee-level. Additionally, Lai Heng reported a fallen tree on Jalan Gudwara, next to Gama Supermarket. The rainfall was indeed very heavy, but these flash floods are common. Usually, the water rises for a short while. The water level isn’t too high, and light vehicles can still pass. The water receded after about an hour, he said.
The floods in all locations reportedly subsided an hour later. Meanwhile, Saadon Mokhtar, Director of the Penang Fire and Rescue Department, said they received emergency calls regarding fallen trees at several locations in Seberang Perai Utara (Northern Seberang Perai). Heavy rain and strong winds earlier caused dozens of trees to fall, and house roofs were torn off. However, as of now, there have been no reported casualties. The heavy rain in Penang also led to flash floods in several areas, but no evacuations were necessary.
The Fire and Rescue Department is monitoring the situation regularly. Most of the fallen trees have been removed by local authorities with the help of residents, and the affected homes will be managed by the Penang Department of Social Welfare, he said when contacted on Monday.
