GEORGE TOWN • There was no respite for Penang yesterday as heavy rains continued to lash the northern Malaysian island and flood waters inundated the state airport, among other areas.

A total of 12 flights were rescheduled at Penang International Airport after it was flooded during a five-hour downpour which began at about 2.30pm.

Water levels in the arrival hall reached 0.3m at about 5pm before subsiding about an hour later.

Airport senior manager Mohd Arif Jaafar said 10 incoming and two outgoing flights were affected.

Heavy rainfall also resulted in flooding in several areas on the island, including Permatang Damar Laut, Teluk Bahang and Batu Ferringhi. Teluk Bahang Village Development and Security Committee chairman Zainudin Yusoff, 54, said the area worst hit in Teluk Bahang was Kampung Nelayan, near a river.

State Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said heavy rainfall of up to 190mm was recorded in the Teluk Bahang Dam and high tide had caused the Teluk Awak river to burst its bank.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK