Penang: The state government, through the Penang State Disaster Management Committee, has activated a communication system via a WhatsApp group involving relevant agencies to prepare for any disaster risks, including floods, in identified areas. State secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long said the government would provide hourly updates on areas experiencing rainfall, rainfall intensity, and flood hotspots through the WhatsApp group.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zulkifli mentioned that the government is collaborating with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), which will update weather forecasts every hour. The State Disaster Management Committee will take action based on the information shared in the WhatsApp group. He conveyed this information to reporters after the launch of the Penang Information and Complaints System (ePINTAS) - State Environmental Health Action Plan (SEHAP) by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, at the State Legislative Assembly building.

In terms of managing affected areas, district officers, along with village heads, will visit identified flood hotspots. Temporary relief centres have been activated by district officers, ensuring residents can move to safety promptly if floods occur.

Zulkifli also referenced a report from the National Flood Control and Warning Centre (PRABN), which issued an early warning of possible flooding in 20 river basin areas in Penang from Nov 19 to 21, following continuous rain alerts from METMalaysia. Monitoring extends beyond these 20 locations, as other flood-prone areas, including those affected by last month's flooding, are also being watched closely.

'We have already identified flood hotspots in Penang, and monitoring has been ongoing since last month. Operation rooms have also been activated to ensure swift management if flooding occurs,' Zulkifli added.