Penang government has approved emergency repairs for damaged drainage system (Updated)

GEORGE TOWN: The state government has approved a proposal to implement 33 emergency projects to repair the damaged drainage system in Penang.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the proposal which was mooted by state Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow will cost the state RM2.5 million.
He said the state exco has also approved the instruction by him to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and developers to mitigate the landslides at Taman Setia Green in Sungai Ara, Greenlane Park in Solok Tembaga, the Seri Delima and Kayangan Puri Mutiara Condominium in Medan Fettes Tanjung Bungah, with an overall cost of about RM2 million.
"The state government has also approved a two-pronged approach in resolving flood issues in the state which is to complete and continue the RM405 million flood mitigation project in the state. And another one is to urge the federal government to complete outstanding flood mitigation projects that are valued at RM1.4 billion," he said during a press conference at Komtar.
Lim also questioned why only RM300 million has been spent on flood mitigation projects.
He also stressed that no amount of flood mitigation plans (RTB), including the one in Sungai Pinang, can prevent floods from occurring, especially during heavy rainfalls.
"With the completion of the Sungai Pinang RTB, it can reduce the impact of flash floods in the future, so the federal government must immediately start the project," he said.
Earlier, Lim announced that a one-off payment of RM400 will be paid to those affected by the massive floods that hit Penang last week.
He said the payment was to assist families or building owners who had their property or vehicles damaged by the flood.
"This payment is not a precedent but one-off following the extraordinary rainfalls that caused the flood on Sept 15," he said.
He said the decision on the "one-off" payment was made by the state executive council meeting.
Lim added that the payment would be handled by state assemblymen, MBPP & MPSP councillors, and the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) under the state government.
It would be supervised by the state exco of Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Phee Boon Poh.
Application forms for the payment will be distributed next Monday (Sept 25) and applicants must return it in a month.