GEORGE TOWN: Firemen in Penang have been busy carrying out exercises in anticipation of the coming monsoon season.

       They have also mapped out potential “dead roads” (jalan putus) which they believe may be cut off during floods.

       State Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Moktar said his men had been undergoing fitness training every day.

       “We have been repeatedly carrying out simulation training in flood-prone areas to be ready to adapt to diverse emergency situations.

       “Our latest simulation training was on Oct 15, in which firefighters from all 20 fire stations in Penang were involved.

       “During the training, our men sharpened their skills on how to lower boats at flood-prone areas besides learning how to brave strong tides,” he said yesterday.

       He said 63 hotspots in the state’s five districts and 116 flood evacuation centres had been identified.

       Saadon urged the public to follow instructions from the authorities if they were asked to evacuate their homes.

       “It can save our time if people adhere to instructions and evacuate immediately so that we can save more lives.

       “Those living in flood-prone areas should keep their important belongings and documents at a safe place in preparation for flash floods,” he added.

       There are about 800 firefighters and officers in Penang’s 20 fire stations. The department has 27 fire engines, seven water tankers, 32 boats and other emergency and rescue assets.

       State public works committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari urged those living in low-lying areas and flood-prone areas to exercise extra caution during the monsoon season.

       “The state spent RM150mil over the last three years to implement some big flood mitigation projects such as in Butterworth, Juru and Bukit Mertajam on the mainland and Bayan Baru on the island,” he said, adding that many of these projects were near completion.

       However, Zairil said that even with flood mitigation projects, the people must play their part to prevent floods by not throwing rubbish indiscriminately as this would lead to clogged drains.

       Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said hill maintenance staff were monitoring closely for fallen trees.

       “If the wind speed is too high and if the rain is too heavy and affects visibility, the funicular train will be suspended or train speed will be lowered.

       “We also need to look out for debris or fallen branches at the railway tracks. We take extra caution and monitor the railway to ensure it is clear before we move the coaches,” he said.

       Cheok said a weather station at the upper railway station was connected to the corporation’s computer servers.

       “When heavy rain and strong winds are detected, the server will send alerts to our staff to check the area for fallen trees or branches.

       “We have noticed a wind speed of over 30kph for the past few days, which is considered quite strong,” he said, adding that staff would check for soil erosion on the slopes after a downpour.