GUAN ENG THANKS ZAHID FOR FEDERAL HELP
GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was yesterday forced to seek help from the armed forces after the state was paralysed by floods, with water reaching the roofs of landed houses in some areas.
The DAP leader, who appeared emotional, described how strong winds and rising waters created a disastrous situation on the island and mainland.
“We need help from the armed forces.
“I called Zahid at 3.30am. I feel so sorry, but I was desperate. Luckily, he answered the call and immediately got the army to assist,” Lim told a press conference at the state flood operations centre in Komtar.
He thanked Zahid for immediately offering help to Penang, especially during this time of need.
“He called me this (yesterday) morning to give his assurance that he will help Penang face the challenges of the disaster.
“We thank him, a leader who offered to help regardless of political differences, and we thank the army for coming in to help.”
Lim said his administration needed to review the standard operating procedures for disaster management to ensure better joint operations between state and federal agencies.
He said the state government needed better coordination with all agencies, especially federal agencies and the Meteorological Department, to be prepared to face such disasters.
Earlier, Lim said there was no need to declare a state of emergency as the situation was under control.
He said the state government would announce a state of emergency if the need arose after discussions with the Federal Government.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said 300 firefighters were involved in relocating and evacuating operations.
“Thirty personnel from Perak were deployed to support operations.
“Besides evacuating victims, firefighters also cleared fallen trees in more than 30 areas, as well as areas hit by landslides.”