Media statement by Lim Guan Eng in Komtar on Thursday, 12^th April 2012 regarding the preparedness of the key industry players in Penang to address the earthquake incident: 

Industry key players preparedness for earthquake  

The state government wishes to thank key industry players in Penang for taking the necessary steps to address the earthquake off Sumatera island yesterday. The Chief Minister's Office and the state government have kept in touch with Penang's key industry players from the FMM, Frepenca and Penang Hoteliers Association during the incident.

The state government wishes to add that the general public should emulate the experience of these industry players by keeping in touch on the latest development of the earthquake through official sources and not to listen to rumors. I had cancelled my attendance at the Royal Banquet at Istana Malaysia honoring the coronation of the Yang Dipertuan Agong to rush back to Penang.

The state government is confident that the recent earthquake that happened in Indonesia has not caused any serious impact to the general economy of Penang. There were some disruptions to the general activities at some manufacturing facilities and also holiday goers at some Penang beach hotels yesterday but no major incidents were reported. The state government is thankful that the industry players are well prepared for such an incident.

The Penang state government also express concerns with false rumours especially on social media websites that the Penang Bridge and ferry services have closed down due to the earthquake off Sumatera. These rumours are untrue and intended to disrupt the economic well-being of the state that is dependent on tourism and manufacturing.

Any closure of the Penang Bridge and termination of ferry services must obtain the prior consultation of the state government. No such request was forwarded to the state government yesterday.

The Penang state government together with all state and Federal government agencies as well as the private sector has effected a mechanism and crisis management to deal with any eventualities with the tsunami alert. This mechanism worked yesterday and there was no panic, clearly indicates that the state government is on top of things and is able to adequately handle the response needed for such emergencies crisis management and emergencies.

Frepenca is represented by the Chairman - Mr Heng Huck Leng who is also the CEO of Globetronics. Penang Hoteliers Association is being represented by Miss Mary Ann Harris – Chairperson; Mr Marco Bassistotti – Co Chairman of the Service Industry Panel.

*Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister