Penang has stepped up preparations for extreme heat and severe weather linked to El Niño, with the state government activating weather monitoring, public health management, disaster response coordination and aid for vulnerable communities, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said on May 12. [1]
Sundarajoo, the state housing and environment committee chairman, said Penang is using monthly El Niño updates and daily hot-weather alerts from the Malaysian Meteorological Department to track conditions. The state also relays forecasts of at least 7 consecutive dry days to relevant agencies and monitors forest-fire risk through the Fire Danger Rating System. [1, 2]
The Penang government, through the Disaster Management Unit and Think City, has also developed community preparedness guidelines under the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme. The guidance targets women, children, senior citizens, low-income households and residents, and persons with disabilities. Sundarajoo said, "The target groups for the heatwave and flood preparedness programmes are vulnerable communities such as women, children, senior citizens, low-income residents and persons with disabilities." [1, 2]
Malay Mail said Penang is also issuing haze forecasts through the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modelling system, while the state follows Health Ministry guidance on heatwave risk management and monitors heat-related illnesses through the Penang Health Department. [2, 1]
Penang has already held disaster preparedness exercises this year, including a maritime disaster workshop and a CBRNE Hazmat simulation that dealt with gas-pipeline explosion risks linked to drought and extreme heat. [1, 2]
The state said affected heads of households in the B40 group and disaster victims may receive RM1,000 under the federal Bantuan Wang Ihsan scheme, while families of disaster fatalities may receive RM10,000. [1]
The Malaysian Meteorological Department said the Southwest Monsoon will begin on May 14 and run until September, bringing lower humidity, fewer clouds, more dry days and reduced rainfall nationwide. Penang is expected to keep relaying weather alerts and preparedness guidance as the monsoon starts. [1]
