GEORGE TOWN – Flash floods here are expected to worsen over time due to climate change and a poor drainage system, some of which have been in existence since the colonial era.
Malaysian Nature Society Penang chapter chairman K. Kanda Kumar said that the people need to brace themselves for more floods, especially when there are seasonal high tides.
“Even cities more advanced than Penang are now flood-prone due to the changing weather patterns, so we should expect the worst and pray for the best,” said Kanda.
Responding to flash floods in several parts of Penang today, Kanda said the drainage system was installed during the period when rain was less intense and the sea levels were not rising as rapidly, unlike now.
While nature has changed, the drainage system has remained stagnant, so when it rains even for an hour, the chances of flash floods increase tenfold, he added.
Kanda urged the state government and local councils – Penang Island City Council and Seberang Prai City Council – to embark on a fast-track system to upgrade the drainage system to cope with the higher rain intensity.
He also called for all future development of commercial and high-rise living projects to be erected two floors up, including village homes to be built on stilts to accommodate the excess water, which cannot flow out to sea due to the narrow drainage tubes.
Instead of reserving the basements for car parks and other social amenities, Kanda urged developers to make it empty to store excess water from heavy rainfall, while also reducing car ownership and opting for public transport to alleviate flooding.
“If we can entrap the water, it will not build up and flood the areas or its surroundings.”
Kanda said that the new state government has its work cut out for them in view of the frequency of flooding and landslides, following the dawn of climate change.
The morning downpour caused severe congestion on the morning rush hour, just when schools were reopening after a one-week term break.
Trees were uprooted while Komtar, the state government’s administrative seat, was reportedly also inundated with stagnant rainwater.
The waters only began to subside around noon here.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo visited his Datuk Keramat constituency, including the notorious Jalan P. Ramlee, which constantly floods.
He was seen helping the residents remove debris while ordering council workers to expedite clearing the debris carried by the gushing floodwaters.
The floods came barely a month after the state held its 15th state election, which saw former state environment executive councillor Phee Boon Poh retiring after managing the portfolio for the past three terms. – The Vibes, September 4, 2023
