Penang folk want state govt to deal with root cause of floods

GEORGE TOWN: Representatives of 24 residential areas told the Penang government yesterday that flood-mitigation projects alone will not solve flood problems.

The group, made up of representatives of residents associations and management corporations/committees, said a comprehensive and effective action was needed to end such flood problems.

They claimed that the Sept 15 floods, which affected more than 100 areas and brought Penang to a standstill, had exposed shortand long-term causes, as well as measures that needed to be taken.

“The floods and the severity of the damage caused were shocking to Penangites, who are used to floods.

“This time around, the severity and damage caused was alarming, causing us hardship and frustration.

“This event and subsequent floods are a wake-up call for serious and urgent action. This is not a one-off event and is expected to recur if the authorities do not deal with the root cause of the problem,” they said in a statement.

They demanded that over-development, the construction of buildings, and hill-cutting and hillslope development be stopped.

The group said the state government should amend the 2009 guidelines on “special projects” to prohibit development on hill lands, except when it was for public services.

They demanded that the authorities declare which hillslopes and areas were not safe, and carry out more tree-planting, creation

This event and subsequent floods are a wake-up call for serious and urgent action. This is not a one-off event and is expected to recur if the authorities do not deal with the root of the problem

of green open spaces and regular drain cleaning.

“Introduce plans to control planning and ensure that persons in positions of power and responsibility in the government are professional, honest, have integrity and experience, and are held accountable for their actions,” they said.

“There is an urgent need to boost the enforcement and accountability, not just in government agencies, but also in professional bodies like the Board of Engineers Malaysia.”

The group plans to reach out to elected representatives to urge them to act on the demands and hold them accountable for their actions.