November 9, GEORGETOWN – The Penang state government has been urged to focus on flood issues and effective action plan to prevent recurrence of such a problem in the state.
Penang State Assembly opposition chief, Datuk Jahara Hamid said the state government should concentrate on drainage system upgrading works and other matters pertaining to irrigation system.
“Enough of focusing on the undersea tunnel project. The whole of Penang is crying at the moment… Do focus on irrigation system, widening works and others so that such a devastating incident will not recur.
“Penang has been hit by 22 flood incidents this year alone. The people are sick of all these,” she told a press conference here today.
Jahara said the muddy floodwaters which are akin to ‘teh tarik’ recently were actually the waters that came from projects that were being developed.
“This shows that the hill slopes are not stable… This is the result of various factors (such as) rapid development, uncontrolled illegal construction, the failure of developers to meet guidelines and weaknesses in enforcement,” she added.
– BERNAMA