Evacuation Of Penang, Kedah coast

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The Malaysian government has ordered the evacuation of residents in the coastal areas of Penang and Kedah due to concerns the tidal waves may recur.

The government has also ordered a temporary stop of all sea activities, including fishing, Bernama news agency reported Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said late Sunday that this could be regarded as the worst natural disaster in the country but Malaysia could be considered as still fortunate compared to the deaths and destruction in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

At least 40 people were killed and hundreds of houses and vehicles were destroyed in Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Perak by the tsunami.

In addition, two people were reported missing in Penang while the number of people missing in Kedah was five.

Most of the dead were picnickers and anglers who were spending the festive weekend along the beaches at Batu Ferringhi and Balik Pulau on Penang Island when the tidal wave swept in Sunday. Thirty-one people were confirmed dead in Penang alone.

Authorities said there is still a possibility of tidal waves occurring again as a report from the Meteorological Services Department said the high tide will occur at midnight.