GEORGE TOWN: The Esplanade walkway here will be temporarily closed to the public during high tides throughout the northeast monsoon period, which started on Friday in the state.
Checks by the New Straits Times at Padang Kota Lama this afternoon showed yellow tape being put up to prevent the public from entering the Esplanade walkway.
Yesterday afternoon, several firefighters from the Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station were also seen installing the yellow tape.
Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station chief Mahadzir Magribi said action was taken after several foreigners were seen going down to the area to play in the seawater.
"We have issued a verbal warning but some foreigners still insisted on going down to play in the sea water.
"Given the high tide and unpredictable weather, it is unsafe for the public to be in that area.
"As such, to prevent any unwanted incidents, we will continuously monitor the area daily throughout the northeast monsoon period.
"If the public still insists on playing in the area, we will close it at certain times during high tide for safety reasons," he said when contacted.
Mahadzir said they put up the yellow tape from 1.30pm to 5pm yesterday (Friday) due to the high tide that flooded the walkway.
As a high tide phenomenon is expected to impact Penang from October 18 to 21, preparations have been made to minimise its effects.
Last week, the Civil Defence Force (APM) identified 124 flood-prone hotspots statewide during the current monsoon transition phase.
APM's resources, which included 11 light rescue vehicles, 67 boats of various models, seven heavy rescue vehicles, and 14 medical rescue vehicles, have been put in place to be deployed as needed.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the Penang government was on high alert for the monsoon transition phase, which had already caused flooding in several states.
He assured that the state disaster management unit was closely monitoring all forecasts and warnings issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).