THE youngest assembly backbencher in Penang has expressed dismay over reports that some assemblymen were allegedly missing in aiding their constituents during the unscheduled water disruption in many parts of the state over the past four days.
Despite supply having been restored to 97% of households as of 10am today, 3% of consumers – those located in high locations or areas with limited access – continue to report low pressure or no water at all.
Seberang Jaya assemblyman Izhar Shah Arif Shah expressed consternation that some elected representatives were reportedly caught unawares by the supply cuts, and some were even seemingly absent on the ground to help in this matter.
He apparently read reports that some assemblymen were holidaying overseas.
They had even posted vacation photos of themselves without realising the difficulties their constituents were having back home, said Izhar.
“It is better that if a crisis occurs back home, all overseas engagement be shortened and focus is given to those who are affected by it,’ he said in an interview with The Vibes.
Izhar, 30, is the son of Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah, a well-known philanthropist who served as Seberang Jaya assemblyman from 2004 to 2013.
Many households and commercial operations across the state were left high and dry after an underwater pipe in Sg Prai, Butterworth burst twice, causing disruptions to linger on at several places.
Izhar added that it is disheartening to also read reports of absent reps leaving it to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow only to handle the crisis, he said.
He said that the backbenchers in the government of the day have some privileges because they get support from agencies and departments to assist them in their constituencies.
However, they still need to be present, or at least their second-in-command needs to be around, to coordinate aid and reassure constituents that help is on the way, said Izhar.
He suggested that each state executive councillor form a crisis management team to handle issues which may arise in the state, such as public utilities breakdown, severe traffic congestion, and ill effects of climate change like rampant flooding.
Some assemblymen like state Tourism and Creative Economy executive councillor Won Hong Wai have posted on Facebook about the help that has been dispensed to residents affected by water cuts.
The efforts included deployment of several water tankers to affected localities.
It turned out to be a precursor to an unprecedented mass water cut scheduled from January 10 to 14 when 80% of households in Penang will be without water for up to 96 hours.
The disruption is to facilitate necessary upgrading and repairs to the state’s old piping system, with works scheduled to only be for 24 hours.
The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has said that major economic and commercial enclaves should have their water supply restored within 72 hours.
Meanwhile, a social media user posted that she resorted to using garbage bags to store water due to the acute shortage of water containers in the state. – The Vibes, December 24, 2023
