RESIDENTS in Penang are urged to remain vigilant against the risk of flash floods and landslides, as persistent rainfall combined with the high tide phenomenon increases the likelihood of such incidents.
State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital, Zairil Khir Johari, stated that the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast rain from October 24 to 26.
According to him, continuous heavy rainfall coupled with high tide levels could trigger flash floods, while soil saturation increases the risk of landslides.
“Given the persistent heavy rain and high tide levels, flash floods could occur. We advise everyone to remain vigilant at all times.
"Slopes also require attention, as the soil can become loose following prolonged rainfall, thereby increasing the risk of landslides," he said when met by the media at the landslide site in Paya Terubong.
He added that relevant agencies, including the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Public Works Department (JKR), remain on high alert to address any eventualities.
Meanwhile, the State Executive Councillor for Local Government and Town and Country Planning, Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, stated that several areas in Penang have also reported fallen trees following heavy rain that began on Friday night.
Affected locations include Lorong Gangsa, Lebuh Bukit Jambul, Lebuh Halia 1, Jalan Mayang Pasir (near the Bayan Baru Market), Lintang Bukit Jambul, an open field in Macallum, Taman Sri Nibong, Lengkok Hijau, Gertak Sanggul, and Jalan Paya Terubong.
Incidents were also reported at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office in Batu Uban and at Golden Triangle 2.
"The public, especially road users, are advised to exercise caution when travelling through affected areas—particularly along hilly routes—due to risks such as fallen trees, slippery road surfaces, and unstable slope conditions," he said.
The Mayor of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Datuk A. Rajendran, noted that as of 2 pm, 14 incidents involving fallen trees and broken branches had been recorded—comprising 13 cases of fallen trees and one case of a broken branch.
According to him, nine of these cases have been resolved, while cleanup operations for another five are still underway.
"Two of the incidents also involved vehicles, and all cleanup work is expected to be completed today," he said.
He added that heavy rain and high tides caused flooding and water accumulation at 10 locations across the Northeast and Southwest districts on the island.
Rajendran stated that rainfall recorded between 1 am and 11 am reached 117 millimetres (mm) at the Kolam Bersih station, while the Kolam Air Itam station recorded 97.5 mm.
The flooding in the Northeast district was caused by prolonged heavy rain, high tides, and the overflowing of the Pinang River, while low-lying terrain contributed to the flooding in the Southwest district.
"Affected areas in the Northeast district include Lintang P. Ramlee, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Kampung Relau, Jalan Patani, Lilitan Stadium, Kampung Masjid Hashim Yahya, and Lorong Kulit, with water levels reportedly reaching approximately 50 centimetres.
"In the Southwest district, flooding was reported in Kampung Sulup, Kampung Masjid, and Kampung Paya, with water levels around 30 cm," he said.
To address the issue, he noted that immediate measures—such as cleaning the drainage systems in the affected areas—are being carried out, while a long-term solution involves the Pinang River flood mitigation project, managed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage. - October 25, 2026.