In late 2004 , Penang was hit by the massive Indian Ocean tsunami . Out of the 68 deaths within Malaysia , 52 were in Penang . Northern coastal areas , such as Batu Ferringhi and Gurney Drive in George Town , were among the worst hit places within the state . In the aftermath of the tsunami , a network of sirens has been installed throughout Penang as part of a national tsunami warning system designed to alert the public of such calamities in the future
Indian Ocean tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
History of Penang