‘Audit Penang flood projects’

KUALA LUMPUR: All flood mitigation projects in Penang have to be audited first before the Federal Government pumps in more money.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said it was vital to look into the irrigation and drainage system, water retention ponds and sea bund planned for the island before following through with any projects in hand.

He said immediate measures to be implemented in Penang would not be enough to address the problem of high tides and extreme rainfall.

“I have again asked Penang to review and study on ways to overcome flooding problems on the island.

“If we look at what happened on Nov 4 and 5, it is clear that whatever we do at this time will not be enough because when high tides and extreme rainfall occur, the island does not have a place (retention pond) to channel the water into the sea.

“An in-depth study is needed before doing anything despite money being available. Even if we address the drainage and irrigation system problem, without proper retention ponds to collect storm water, flash floods will still occur.”

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the Federal Government was willing to consider pumping in additional allocation to address Penang’s flooding problems.

He said based on what he was briefed by the state Drainage and Irrigation Department, 13 minor and major projects worth RM1 billion were needed as long-term solutions to the perennial problem.

However, Wan Junaidi said the review did not include the Sungai Pinang dredging project, which was approved last year.

He said the government had allocated RM150 million for the project, adding that that it would continue as planned.

He said the dredging project was not a total solution, but was necessary to avoid an increase of siltation.