GEORGE TOWN – Even though Penang has been spared from the flood disasters that have hit various states in the country, state Housing, Local Government and Town and Country Planning exco Jagdeep Singh Deo is asking residents there to get ready.
During a press conference held at Taman Free School wet market today, he said that the state and city councils are prepared and equipped if the worst happens.
“We will try the best we can to handle it if floods happen, it is not an overnight effort but something that we have been working on since we came into power 13 years ago.
“Short and mid-term flood mitigation projects that have been completed.
“For long term, we have the Sg Pinang flood mitigation project and the Environmental Department has said that it is expected to start in June 2022,” he said.
The state government and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had recently undertaken a major flood mitigation project, where the drains were deepened and widened.
The roads have also been raised.
Jagdeep assured that his councils, both MBPP and the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP), are ready to provide aid in case of floods.
Though many flood mitigation projects have been completed, he said that mother nature’s fury is unparalleled.
Flood-prone areas like Jalan P. Ramlee has seen floods that span days when Sg Pinang broke its banks.
If floods do happen, Jagdeep is asking those in need to contact their respective city councils’ 24-hour call centre or WhatsApp to get help.
To contact MBPP, its 24-hour hotline can be reached at 04 263 7637/7000 or WhatsApp at 016 200 4082. For MBSP, the 24-hour toll-free number is 1 800 88 7777.
Tropical Depression 29, stemming from the Philippines’ Typhoon Rai, has wreaked havoc in Peninsular Malaysia’s central region, triggering floods that cover rooftops of vehicles. It is not expected to ease anytime soon. – The Vibes, December 19, 2021
