Special task force should be formed for flood mitigation master plan in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Barisan Nasional has asked the federal government to set up a special task force to plan for a comprehensive flood mitigation and drainage master plan for the state.
Its chairman, Teng Chang Yeow said he has spoken to Penang Federal Action Council chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman on the proposed task force comprising various federal agencies, including the Drainage and Irrigation Department.
"The state BN is very concerned about the flood situation in Penang yesterday and early today. It is a major disaster after the tsunami that hit some parts of the state in 2004. We will try our best to find solutions to the flood problem," he said in a statement, today.
Strong winds and heavy rain lashed Penang since 2pm yesterday, causing unprecedented flash floods in several areas that resulted in three deaths and the evacuation of over 2,000 people.
Almost the whole of Penang was hit by floods, with the floodwaters rising to between 0.2–1m and in several areas, following strong winds and heavy rain that uprooted several trees as well.
Teng said the task force should include state agencies dealing with flood matters.
He said a review of the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the government's flood relief efforts must also be undertaken in view of the changing weather patterns and the availability of new communications technology.
He also said that the state BN would form a special team to visit all districts to gather feedback from all including community bodies on improving the SOP for relief efforts and on flood mitigation action.
"The state BN conveys its heartfelt sympathy to all victims affected by the floods," he said. — Bernama