Penang govt approves RM10 mln for flood mitigation

BALIK PULAU: The Penang Government has approved RM10 million to implement a flood mitigation plan (RTB) project in Teluk Kumbar to address massive floods in the area.

Public Works, Utility and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the Teluk Kumbar RTB project was among 13 flood mitigation projects approved by the state government last year.

He said the Teluk Kumbar RTB project worth RM10 million involved the existing pump repair works at the mouth of Sungai Teluk Kumbar and was currently in the stage of completing tender advertisements which might take three months.

He was speaking to reporters after holding a briefing on floods at the Barat Daya Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) office here yesterday.

Zairil said the Teluk Kumbar RTB project was expected to take two years to complete from the date of commencement to reduce flood risks by 80 per cent.

“Besides Teluk Kumbar, flood mitigation projects in Teluk Bahang, Pondok Upeh and Sungai Burong are also in the process of getting project design consultants,” he added.

Earlier, Zairil said last Saturday’s heavy downpour had led to 12 areas in Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar to be flooded.

A lack of systematic drainage system in the area was one of the causes of flash floods.

“The low village settlement with an inefficient drainage system caused 42 houses to be flooded and two families to be evacuated,” said Zairil. - Bernama