He said nearly all areas in Penang were back to normal following a massive clean-up, the only exceptions being Penang Hill on the island and some areas on the mainland near the northern border with Kedah.
Lim also assured tourists and business investors that all was well again in Penang.
He said fake messages that had gone viral on social media about a second wave of severe rain and floods were not true and only did more damage to tourist arrivals and investments in the state.
The warning is purportedly from US space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), which predicted a “bigger storm” on its way to Penang and asked for all residents to stay indoors.
The fake message stated: “Pray For Penang. Nasa is tracking the storm status and say it’s going to be a bigger storm heading towards Penang in 2 days’ time.
“So please tell your family members in Penang not to go out. Stay indoors or shift to a safer place. Please share this information with all your family, relations and friends in Penang.
“It’s pretty serious. Please take note. We pray for the safety of all Penang friends back home. Unless the wind blows to Vietnam side or else Penang will be hit again. Take care everyone back in Penang. Thanks.”
Lim said the state government was worried that such rumours would hurt the tourism industry and businesses in the state.
“A major part of Penang has been restored. We do not want rumours to affect the investment, business and tourism market.
“I want to assure everyone that we are safe and ready for tourists, businesses and investors alike,” Lim said at a press conference in Komtar today.
Meanwhile, state secretary Farizan Darus said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD) had issued a statement denying claims that a second wave of heavy rain would hit Penang.
He urged the public to refer to official channels for weather alerts and not to rely on forwarded messages on social media.
Penang was hit by flash floods on the weekend of Nov 4 and 5, which displaced over 6,000 people and claimed seven lives.
Exactly a week later on Nov 13, all relief centres were closed and victims returned to their homes. The Penang government will be giving RM700 to aid those affected.
The extraordinary rainfall was caused by the “Invest 95W” tropical disturbance, international weather reports said.
The tropical disturbance is described as the start of a typhoon. The progression from a tropical disturbance can lead to a tropical depression, a tropical storm and finally, a typhoon, which is common in Asia, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.