'Comprehensive studies needed before implementing flood projects'

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not rush into implementing flood mitigation projects in Penang despite the state's worst floods in years, as more comprehensive studies are needed.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said thorough research needs to be done on retention ponds and the drainage and irrigation system on the island, before the projects can be carried out.
He said this in light of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's decision to allocate RM150 million for 13 mitigation projects in Penang in view of the devastating floods.
"Once we receive the budget, then we will start our technical studies, as implementing these projects can't be done as we wish. I have also asked Penang to study ways to address this flooding problem.
"If we look at what happened on Nov 4 and 5, it's clear that whatever we do now will not be sufficient because when water rises and a downpour occurs, there's no place (retention pond) to channel the water into the sea.
"There's a lot of things that needs to be reviewed. So you can't say the prime minister announces something today and expect works to start in three months time. It will take a while," he said after a visit to the Sekolah Persendirian Chong Hwa, here, today.
Najib had, on Nov 7, agreed to allocate RM150 million for the 13 flood mitigation projects in Penang, adding that the federal government would consider additional allocations of up to RM850 million.

Wan Junaidi however said not all 13 projects would require complete overhauling, including the Penang River project, which he claimed would be carried on as planned to recover its original form, in a bid to increase its capacity.
He added that the ministry would also look into placing sea bunds in Penang, similar to what would be done in Kelantan, if necessary.
Wan Junaidi also warned residents in the northern states to be prepared and remain vigilant on the likelihood of a second wave of major floods, until the transition of the monsoon season ends at the end of the month.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had on Nov 6 similarly advised those in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak to brace for heavy rainfall until February, citing projection by the Meteorological Department.
"We have also learnt that the phenomenon will shift to Sabah and Sarawak at the end of the year," he said.