SEBERANG PERAI, Sept. 28 -- The Penang Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has advised the public to avoid visiting high-risk water recreation areas, especially during the current monsoon season, due to the danger of sudden water surges.

State director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said there have been recent incidents caused by rapidly rising water levels following heavy rain.

"Heavy rain during monsoon season can lead to surges in water levels, so it is best to avoid these places when it is raining heavily," he said at a press conference here today.

He said that last year, Penang recorded 16 drowning-related cases, four of which occurred in swimming pools. As of this year, seven such cases have been reported.

Regarding broader monsoon prepara...