Penang Announces Freeze On All Outdoor Activities Due To Dangerous Weather Warnings

By Quinny Tan  •  20 Dec 2022 in News

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Hold your horses on those year end travel plans as Penang might not be a good idea for your New Year’s Eve getaway anymore.

Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has announced a freeze on all outdoor recreational activities on the island effective immediately.

The council said the decision was made following an announcement by the Malaysian meteorological department (MetMalaysia) last Friday, warning of strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms that are expected to last until tomorrow.

2. “MBPP menyeru semua orang agar menangguhkan aktiviti perkhemahan atau pendakian di kawasan yang berisiko,” it said.

This follows DPM Zahid Hamidi’s call for all campsites and recreational areas near highlands and rivers to be vacated, after the Batang Kali landslide. pic.twitter.com/Ys83g4ndOX

— BFM News (@NewsBFM) December 19, 2022

“Trekking, hiking, camping and other activities in high-risk areas such as hill slopes, beach and flood-prone areas will cease with immediate effect,” it said in a statement.

The council also advised the public to stay vigilant and heed the weather warnings by MetMalaysia to avoid any untoward incidents, adding that they should always put safety first.

On Friday, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced a freeze on all outdoor recreational activities around Batang Kali following a deadly landslide that buried three campsites.

Ninety-four people were caught in the landslide, 24 have been confirmed dead while nine others are still missing. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing.