KUALA LUMPUR – Heavy rain and storms combined with high tides caused large waves to hit Penang’s coast yesterday, causing seawater to overflow into public areas in Padang Kota, Butterworth, and Bayan Lepas.
Videos circulating online showed spots like Padang Kota’s Medan Renong food court hit by waves, flooding the stalls and eating area.
Vendors were seen to be scrambling to save their belongings. As of 3.45pm yesterday, the Penang City Council (MBPP) finished cleaning the site, Bernama reported.
Large waves also caused stalls in Pantai Bersih and the Bagan Ajam R&R area to be flooded, resulting in the floor of a restaurant collapsing. Authorities confirmed no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) operator has warned the public to avoid the beach area due to dangerous weather and high waves after the R&R was flooded.
“Visitors to the R&R are advised not to approach the beach area,” BORR stated in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, high tide at Pantai Teluk Bayu in Bayan Lepas caused seawater to rise to land.
According to the Bayan Lepas rep Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, this also affected the fishermen’s settlement there.
“Any beach activities are extremely dangerous and not permitted. Fishermen’s activities were also affected, as they had to move their fishing equipment.
“I ask for everyone’s patience and prayers as we are tested with storms, rain, and unpredictable weather. Pray that the weather and conditions return to normal,” he said on Facebook yesterday.”
Penang Local Government Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said special units from MBPP and Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) were operating round-the-clock to handle complaints.
Since Sunday, 150 incidents of fallen trees have been reported in MBPP’s administrative area and 65 in MBSP’s. – September 18, 2024