GEORGE TOWN: Over 500 homes that were affected by the recent storm caused by what was the tail end of Typhoon Lekima in Penang will receive aid from the Governor’s Disaster Relief Fund.
State Welfare, Caring Society, and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the aid will be given as part of Penang’s disaster relief standard operating procedures.
“Owners of houses who were affected must make a police report and take photos of the damage as evidence. After that, the state Welfare Department and officers in charge of all areas will disburse the aid from the Governor’s fund.
“A total of about 10 per cent of the value of damaged goods or property will be given but a maximum of RM5,000 for each house affected,” he said when contacted.
Phee said the Penang government was collecting data to ascertain the total number of victims from the storm and to give an estimated loss.
He said as of now, over 500 homes have been affected and data was still being collected.
Wind speeds of more than 100kph were reported when the storm lashed the northern states of the peninsula, beginning about 8pm on Friday.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said the storm caused delays to 21 flights and cancellations of two at the Penang International Airport (PIA).
In a statement, MAHB said the flight delays and cancellations at PIA had affected more than 1,000 travelers who were offered overnight stays at a hotel.
“The airport has been cleaned up and repair works were carried out after a storm hit the island on Friday night. Despite the damages to the airport terminal roofing, we are glad to share that no passengers were injured during the ordeal.
“The damage included partially torn off roof and ceiling, and broken glass doors and signages. A car was also reportedly damaged,” it said.
PIA’s departure terminal roof close to Gate B7, was sheared off by strong winds. The incident was recorded on video by a worker from the control tower.
One of the terminal’s automatic glass doors was also shattered.