LOCAL authorities in Penang made good use of the clear weather to clean up debris from heavy rains and strong winds last week.
The monsoon weather caused havoc to the roads by triggering landslides, flash floods and uprooted several trees.
The worst affected areas were in Paya Terubong when a landslide damaged several vehicles and debris including tree trunks and rocks fell onto Jalan Tun Sardon - a major artery linking Sungai Ara/Air Itam to Balik Pulau.
State executive councillor for infrastructure Zairil Khir Johari issued a statement that the road would be closed until Friday, as the state public works department worked to clear the debris and fortify the hillside it runs through.
"We expect the road closure to last until 6pm on Friday," said Zairil.
He urged road users to plan their journey to avoid unnecessary congestions on roads leading to Balik Pulau, the island's biggest district.
At Paya Terubong, its assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said that he has visited the landslip at Taman Terubong Jaya in Tingkat Paya Terubong to oversee the clearing of the debris and damaged vehicles.
There were no injuries reported, thankfully, said Wong.
A resident from the area, senior lawyer S. Raveentharan called on the authorities to be ready for the stormy weather in view of climate change effects befalling the state.
He said that there is a need to monitor trees which encroached into public roads and to clear the drainage system, urging for litterbugs to be penalised if they damage drains. - October 27, 2025.
