In late 2004 , George Town was hit by the massive Indian Ocean tsunami . The city 's northern coast , such as Batu Ferringhi and Gurney Drive , were among the worst hit places within Penang . The tsunami claimed 52 lives in Penang , out of the 68 deaths in Malaysia . Since then , a network of sirens has been installed throughout George Town 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 George Town, Penang