Storms lash Penang, felling over 200 trees, damaging homes

Volunteers sawing off fallen branches after they fell on a parked car in Butterworth, Penang. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

GEORGE TOWN, Penang — Pandemonium swept through Penang when storms caused over 200 roadside trees to topple, crushing cars, damaging homes and putting motorists’ lives in danger.

The northern region of Malaysia has been lashed by storms since Sept 15 and on Sept 17 morning, bouts of strong winds toppled more trees onto passing vehicles on many roads.

The intense wind whipped up the sea too, and in the clan jetties off Pengkalan Weld, a walk away from Penang island’s ferry terminal, violent waves tore up the planks on the jetties.

READ: Strong winds, heavy rain batter Singapore

Built in the 1900s, the clan jetties stretch offshore for over 100m and people live on wooden homes along these jetties, which are tourist attractions.

Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng advised tourists not to visit the clan jetties in the near term till repairs were made.

“Volunteers have been dispatched to monitor and arrange for repairs where necessary.

“For safety, we advise visitors to refrain from visiting the jetties and coastal areas during high tides,” he said.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow called for all motorists to be vigilant as trees fell in 90 places and three houses and eight cars were damaged on Sept 15.

READ: Southeast Asia battles floods, landslides as death toll passes 200

“On Monday (Sept 16), fallen trees were reported in nine locations,” he told a press conference on Sept 17.

As at noon on Sept 17, more trees fell in 43 locations, he added.

Mr Chow said even mainland Penang was not spared, with falling trees reported in 30 locations.

Many of Penang’s roads, especially in George Town, are lined with shady decades-old trees – some so large it will take the outstretched arms of at least three adults to encircle them.

The Pulau Tikus suburb, which motorists pass on their way to Tanjung Bungah and beach resort of Batu Ferringhi, had 13 falling trees as of 9.50am on Sept 17, said Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Wong.

He said Penang Island City Council had removed 30 dangerous trees in his constituency so far, and he was saddened to still see so many roadside trees falling and becoming major hazards during the current stormy spell.

He said in the past, the city council had been persuaded by some NGOs to preserve large and old trees, but “it was a mistake”.

Beautiful as they were, he said these large roadside trees posed a major risk to life and property during storms.

“Penang needs a ‘green city’ concept that is safe, without big, old trees that are dangerous to people and property,” he added.

Retiree Kenny Chuah, 63, from Pulau Tikus, said he drove his daughter to work just 2km away in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah at 7.30am on Sept 17.

“During the whole drive there and back, the rain was not heavy but the winds were incredible. I watched roadside trees swaying crazily and it was frightening.

“On my way back to my house, I drove quickly to get past stretches with old roadside trees. The road was littered with small fallen branches,” he said.