Guan Eng denies saying Federal govt did not help during floods

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (pix) today denied ever saying that the Federal government did not extend its help to the state during the massive floods that hit Penang on Nov 4.
He claimed as 'misleading', a report in a local Malay daily that had allegedly published a statement with regards to Lim's response to the flood aid.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammudin Tun Hussein, had a few days back expressed bewilderment that Lim allegedly complained about lack of assistance from the Federal government.
Lim however hoped that Hishamudin will not be misled by the alleged slander and lies published in the local Malay daily .
"I hope he will not be misled by it, I hope the issue on flood aid will not be misconstrued again", he said.
Lim said the Federal government helped Penang massively in the rescue and relocation missions, during the floods that hit Penang, on Nov 4.
Instead, he said the help he felt that has not been fulfilled related to the request for financial assistance for the state to get back up on its feet.
"What I had asked for were two things, the financial aid for flood victims, and the approval of the RM1 billion allocation for flood mitigation projects (RTB)". said Lim
Lim said the allocation of RM1 billion for RTB in Penang is not new, and was already allocated under the previous Malaysia Plan, although Penang has not got anything out of it yet.
He was speaking after handing out the "one-off" cash payment of RM400 to the Sept 15 flood victims, at the Padang Tembak Community Hall this morning.
A total of RM2.8 million will be distributed to 7,037 families, as part of the cash aid from the state government.
On Sept 15, about 100 areas in five districts in Penang were hit by flash floods following a downpour.
It was reported that the flash floods were caused by an inter-monsoon phenomenon experienced by the northern states in Peninsular Malaysia.