The Penang executive councillor on flood mitigation Chow Kon Yeow has denied reports that the Sungai Muda river in Seberang Perai Utara district burst its banks this morning.

A report in a local English daily had claimed that the river’s water level rose to 5.2m, more than a metre above its regular 3.96m maximum.

Chow said it is the lack of updated information that allows such “fake news” to become viral in messaging service WhatsApp and social media.

“Please do not viralise false information on flooding.

“But to address such problems, we need to have the right information from relevant authorities,” he said at the State Legislative Assembly today.

Chow was responding to the 19 assemblypersons who gave their views on the flood crisis in Penang on Nov 4 and 5 which claimed seven lives.

The 19 gave their views after Chow tabled an emergency motion on flooding at the State Legislative Assembly today, which received bipartisan support.

He said most of the assemblypersons touched on the need for early weather warning and alerts, so that they will be prepared to face the onslaught of flash floods in the future.

“We need to put in place a proper system to warn and alert the public about the weather.

“Two weeks ago, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage said it has the allocation to implement a warning system, which has already been implemented in a few states in 2014,” he noted.

“A few rivers have already been chosen to implement this system, where alerts will be triggered six days before the incident occurs.

“The existing system sends alert between two hours or less, but the new system is capable of sending alerts six days before the incident, dependent on bug data analytics on weather,” the exco stated.

Chow said a proper information system is also necessary to keep the public updated about floods and rescue missions, which is lacking at present.

“We wish we have our own radios to distribute the latest information, but since we do not have that, we can put up electronic boards.

“The current Penang Alert link we have may not be perfect, as it is based on information from the wed, and has its limitations, but we can make it more effective,” he added.

Chow said proper information is also necessary at rescue and relief centres, as well as for those assisting with relief efforts in the form of food, money or services.

“These operations must be arranged well, or the effort is wasted and will not reach its target; indeed it is a challenge to all agencies involved, on how to consolidate all the resources to help the victims.

“Anyway, even though we face great disaster, let us be in high spirits. Penang will get through this,” he said.