‘State govt not serious in tackling problem’
GEORGE TOWN: A Penang lawmaker has chided the state government for “lacking seriousness” in solving the flood situation in Teluk Kumbar.
Balik Pulau member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the state government had failed to prevent floodwaters from inundating the villages there.
He said this was despite its promise last year to expand the floodgates at the pump house in Sungai Teluk Kumbar.
“Why is the state government sidelining the Balik Pulau parliamentary constituency? It has to be responsible for the people.
“This shows that the state government is all talk and not serious in alleviating the people’s suffering,” said Dr Hilmi, who is also deputy health minister, after visiting flood victims at Dewan Gerakan Masyarakat Teluk Kumbar here yesterday.
On Thursday, several villages in Teluk Kumbar were inundated following continuous downpour.
More than 300 villagers spent the night at the flood relief centre, which has since been closed. It was the second time the area had been flooded in a week.
Dr Hilmi said the expansion of the floodgate in Sungai Teluk Kumbar was not a long-term solution.
He said the authorities had suggested the construction of a high wall along the river to prevent water from flowing into the villages during high tides.
“We believe this is more effective than expanding the floodgate. However, the state government disagreed, saying it would involve high costs. We will have to find a solution and seek the Federal Government’s help.”
Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon said the state government’s proposal to expand the floodgates was “progressing well”, and that the project would cost RM7 million.
“His (Dr Hilmi’s) suggestion would have cost RM30 million.
“We will leave it to the Federal Government to do what is necessary.
“I hope the people will understand the situation.”