GEORGE TOWN: Penang is upgrading its tsunami warning network, with six more sites set to receive new technology to improve the delivery of emergency alerts.
Penang Meteorological Office meteorological officer Mazlan Ishak said the upgraded sirens have passed signal transmission tests, with all signals sent during the exercise successfully received by the system, said
Penang has 12 tsunami warning sirens, with 10 on the island and two in Seberang Prai.
"Four locations have received the new system, while six more sites are scheduled for upgrades by the end of this year or early next year," he said when met during a testing exercise at Masjid Terapung in Tanjung Bungah.
The four upgraded locations are Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Bahang, Batu Ferringhi and Balik Pulau.
Mazlan said the six sites identified for the next phase are Miami Beach, Gurney Drive, Dewan Sri Pinang, Tanjung Tokong police station, Sungai Burung and Sungai Pinang.
"The new system features improved speakers that can rotate 360 degrees, unlike the omnidirectional speakers used in the older system.
"The upgraded units also have a smart digital board designed to improve signal reception and processing, enhancing the system's ability to receive and process warning signals," he said.
The older siren system has been in service for about 10 years.
Mazlan said the latest tests confirmed that all signals, including trial and warning signals, were successfully received by the system.
He added that advance announcements were made to alert personnel and nearby residents before testing began.
Despite regular testing, the sirens have not been used to issue an actual tsunami warning since the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, he said.
"The upgrades are part of efforts to maintain the readiness of Penang's tsunami warning infrastructure and ensure the system can transmit alerts when required," he said.
Last year, it was reported that Malaysia's tsunami sirens were undergoing their first major upgrade in more than a decade under a nationwide initiative by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
The project, known as the Earthquake and Tsunami Service Empowerment Project to Reduce the Risk of Earthquake and Tsunami Disasters, aims to strengthen warning services and protect vulnerable coastal communities before disaster strikes.
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