Penang asks state agencies to take stock of emergency preparation protocols, equipment

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has asked state agencies to take stock of emergency preparation protocols and equipment.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said those needing an upgrade should do so in view of the recent flooding at the east coast states.
He said the state should be prepared to face such disasters and expressed his hope the present infrastructure could cope.
"We have to handle such situations," he said during a ceremony to pin on the ranks of Penang Water Supply Holdings Berhad (PBAHB) auxiliary policeman today.
The 42 men PBAHB auxiliary police force comprises eight sergeants, 24 corporals and 10 constables.
Lim, who is PBAHB chairman, said the company had applied to have an auxiliary police force in May, 2013, and approval was granted in November, 2013.
PBAHB would increase the strength of its auxiliary force from time to time depending on security requirements and financial ability, he added.
"They also act as the 'eyes and ears' for the police in addition to their duties in safeguarding PBAHB assets," he added.
Meanwhile the Penang Island Municipal Council is set to launch a machine for ratepayers to pay their assessments or settle their council traffic fines.
Council president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail said the machine was currently undergoing testing but expected the service to be made available by this month.
She said the ATM-like machine would be installed near the Town Hall at the Esplanade here for a trial run.
She said other locations would depend on feedback from ratepayers and the suitability of the location.
"This is for the convenience of our ratepayers," she told a press conference today after chairing the first council meeting for 2015.
The council was leasing the machine from a company at RM5,000 a month and it decided to do so to save on maintenance costs as a replacement machine could be provided by the company if something went awry, she said.
She added payments could be done in cash or cheque.