Flash floods not related to Air Itam Dam: PBAPP

GEORGE TOWN: The flash floods that occurred in the Paya Terubong Valley, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Masjid Negeri and Sungai Pinang yesterday had nothing to do with the Air Itam Dam, said Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa.

Jaseni said PBAPP recorded about 135mm of rainfall at the dam yesterday.
"There was a minimal overflow of 12mm of water at the dam at about 7.10pm. Any overflow from the Air Itam Dam will go only into Sungai Air Itam.

"Please note that 12mm of overflow is insufficient to cause widespread flooding in George Town. Moreover, the flash floods occurred before 7.10pm," he said in a statement here today.

Meanwhile, about the landslide at the Kek Lok Si Temple, Jaseni said yesterday's heavy rains caused a landslide at a stretch of the road after the Kek Lok Si Temple, leading to the Air Itam Dam.
"No one was injured but debris caused the road to be impassable to cars. PBAPP and the Fire Services Department are clearing the debris," he said.

He said visitors to the Air Itam Dam were advised to be careful and vigilant when using this road during the current rainy season. — Bernama