If you’ve ever visited Penang’s beautiful coastlines, you know how peaceful the ocean looks. But behind that beauty lies a commitment to keeping everyone safe. To strengthen public safety, the dissemination equipment of the Malaysian National Tsunami Early Warning System (SAATNM) at four key coastal locations has recently been upgraded with the latest technology.
So, what does this actually mean for locals and tourists? Let’s break down why this upgrade is a big deal.
From Two Directions to 360-Degree Sound
According to Mazlan Ishak, a METMalaysia officer in Penang, the old system used “bidirectional” speakers, which only blasted sound in two opposite directions.
The new upgrade changes the game completely:
- 360° Coverage: The new system uses “omnidirectional” speakers. This means the warning siren now projects sound outward in every single direction simultaneously.
- Further Reach: The older sirens could only reach a radius of about 2 kilometers. This new system pushes that boundary up to 3 kilometers.
- Faster Responses: Because the hardware runs on advanced 4G digital technology, data travels much faster. The moment headquarters triggers an alert, the coastal sirens will sound almost instantly.
Where Are These New Sirens Located?
Testing is already underway. The upgraded sirens are strategically placed at four key coastal spots across Penang:
- The Floating Mosque (Masjid Terapung) in Tanjung Bungah
- Masjid Jamek Ar Rahman in Batu Ferringhi
- The Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Jetty in Teluk Bahang
- The National Civics Training Center in Pantai Pasir Panjang, Balik Pulau
To make sure everything stays in tip-top shape, METMalaysia tests these sirens at least twice a year.
A Quick Tourist Scare (With a Relieved Ending!)
The tech is so effective that it actually caused a brief moment of panic during a recent live test at the Floating Mosque. Two foreign tourists who had just arrived at the mosque heard the loud siren warning system and assumed a real tsunami was coming! They immediately rushed to leave the area.
Thankfully, mosque staff quickly caught up with them, explained it was just a routine test, and the tourists safely went back inside to enjoy their tour.
A Silent Witness to History
The Floating Mosque in Tanjung Bungah holds a special place in the hearts of many. Mosque committee member Mazlan Wan Chik shared that the mosque was actually a “silent witness” to the tragic 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. While the waves battered the coast, the mosque stood firmly against the water.
Today, visitors often ask about the tsunami siren when they visit. For local residents, some of whom still carry the emotional scars and memories of the 2004 disaster. These upgraded sirens offer an invaluable sense of security and peace of mind.
Source: Harian Metro