Penang: A total of 600 personnel from the Penang Civil Defence Force (APM) are on standby, ready to be deployed for any eventuality arising from the current unpredictable weather. State APM director Col (PA) Lokman Hakim Abdul Rahman stated that all personnel are on 24-hour standby, with particular focus on the Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) and Seberang Perai Utara (SPU) districts, which frequently experience direct impact from overflowing waters.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the overflow is not solely due to rainfall but also comes from Kedah, as the river flows through both districts before discharging into the sea. Col Lokman Hakim Abdul Rahman conveyed this information to reporters after flagging off the MADANI Ihsan Squad Humanitarian Aid Mission at Masjid Tengah Jalan Berapit.

He also advised the public not to be overly concerned, reassuring that all government agencies, private entities, and related parties are prepared to assist affected residents. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has urged the public to remain vigilant and make necessary preparations to face heavy rain episodes, particularly as the country enters the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) phase.