GEORGE TOWN: Penang has taken mitigation measures to ensure the safety and stability of its slopes during the current monsoon transition phase.

State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said for slopes listed by the authorities (the Public Works Department and local councils), the Penang government had taken mitigation measures to ensure stability was maintained.

He said among the initiatives was to direct the PWD and local authorities (both Penang Island and Seberang Prai City Councils) to carry out periodic inspections and monitor all activities conducted in hilly/steep areas.

He said the local councils had also conducted meetings and briefings related to safety activities in hilly and steep areas for farmers and growers engaged in agricultural activities.

"We also look at our flood mitigation projects and upgrading of drainage systems, such as upgrading drain sizes and constructing flood retention ponds.

"We also control any proposals for cutting and stabilising slopes to a minimum to ensure the topography, trees and natural water flow in hilly and steep areas are well maintained," he told the New Straits Times today.

He was asked about measures taken to ensure the safety of slopes in the state during the monsoon transition phase. The monsoon transition phase will last until early November, marking the end of the southwest monsoon.

The Meteorological Department had said that areas such as the western and interior regions of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as western Sabah and central Sarawak, would experience light winds from various directions, which could lead to thunderstorms.

over a short period, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening and might cause flash floods, fallen trees and damage to weak structures.

Zairil said for any developments near hill slopes, developers must ensure that the Environmental Site Control Plan is maintained regularly to prevent disturbances to public safety, public property and the environment.

"We are closely monitoring the situation," he added.

Penang was hit by storm and flash floods last month which resulted in more than 200 families being evacuated to temporary flood relief centres.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/1113330/penang-monitors-slopes-monsoon-transition-phase