Penang launches WhatsApp communication system with hourly weather updates and flood hotspot monitoring to enhance disaster response coordination.
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang State Disaster Management Committee has activated a WhatsApp communication system involving relevant agencies to prepare for disaster risks including floods in identified areas.
State secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long said the government will provide hourly updates on rainfall areas, rainfall intensity, and flood hotspots through the group.
“We are collaborating with the Malaysian Meteorological Department, which will update weather forecasts every hour, and the State Disaster Management Committee will take action based on the information shared in the WhatsApp group,” he told reporters after launching the Penang Information and Complaints System.
Regarding affected area management, district officers and village heads will visit identified flood hotspots.
District officers have also activated temporary relief centres for residents to move to safety immediately when floods occur.
Zulkifli commented on a National Flood Control and Warning Centre report issuing early flood warnings for 20 river basin areas in Penang from November 19 to 21.
Besides monitoring these 20 river basin locations, his team is closely watching other flood-prone areas, including those affected by flooding last month.
“We have already identified flood hotspots in Penang, and monitoring has been ongoing since last month,” he added.
Operation rooms have been activated to ensure swift flood management if necessary.
