E&O: Flash flood damage to Penang hotel 'insignificant'

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 19): Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) said the damage sustained by its landmark heritage hotel in Georgetown in the wake of the flash floods that hit the Penang island on Thursday is 'insignificant'.

Reports surfaced online yesterday, complete with footage of the E&O Hotel in George Town, in which strong waves from the sea were seen slapping against the walls of its outdoor dining area, which appeared to be already knee-deep in water.

The area has been identified as the hotel's Heritage Wing.

E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong confirmed today that the 132-year-old heritage hotel was not spared from nature's wrath, but assured that damages, both in monetary term and occupancy rates, were inconsequential.

"Insofar as the E&O Hotel in Georgetown is concerned, it was just flooded on the ground floor, more on the promenade of our food and beverage outlets," Kok told reporters after the group's annual general meeting here.

"The damage was very, very insignificant and did not affect our occupancy rates," said Kok, adding that the flood had subsided the next morning and that business was as per usual by then. — theedgemarkets.com

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