New construction blamed for flash flooding in Butterworth

BUTTERWORTH: More than 20 families in Taman Sin Tat here are blaming the construction of new buildings in the area for the flash floods that have been occuring.
They claim that the new buildings causes the drainage system to be stuck and obstructs the water from flowing out.
A spokesman for the 20 families, Choong Siat Foong, 71, said they did not suffer serious flooding prior to the construction of the two buildings at Lorong Perniagaan Melur 1.
Choong, who has been staying at Medan Melur Selatan for 50 years, said before the buildings were completed, the water just entered the premises' car porch and would quickly recede after the rain stopped.
"But now, we have been suffering from the flash floods with the water seeping in until it reaches the knee height. The most serious flash flood we have faced was last month which the water level went higher – over our knees."
"The buildings have sealed off the access to the drainage. The buildings need to be renovated to allow the water to flow through."
Choong told a press conference that the state government or Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) should take the matter seriously.
"We need them to assist us to settle the flood problem," he said.
He also urged Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Lim Hock Seng and Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Boon Poh to check on the issue.