GEORGE TOWN, October 22 — Penang has heightened its disaster preparedness as the La Niña weather phenomenon is expected to bring heavy rainfall across Malaysia until December.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said all emergency response units, including the state disaster management committee, local councils, and rescue agencies, are now on full standby.
The Meteorological Department forecasts Penang to receive between 60mm and 430mm of rainfall monthly, with up to 21 rainy days, potentially triggering flash floods, fallen trees, and structural damage.
Chow added that 389 temporary evacuation centres across the state are ready for activation while the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has begun clearing rivers, retention ponds, and drainage systems in flood-prone areas.
The state disaster command centre, equipped with communication systems, real-time monitoring dashboards, and backup power, is also on alert to coordinate response efforts between federal, state, and district agencies during emergencies.
