PENANG Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman, Jagdeep Singh Deo said due to the existing climate change, increase in rain intensity coupled with the high tide phenomenon, flash floods have occurred in several areas in Penang.
“With the existing intermoonson season hitting our shores, we are encountering occasional flash floods in the island and Seberang Perai.
“From last month until next month, we have been expecting heavy rainfall that can result in floods,” he told a press conference held at Jalan Van Praagh, Taman Desa Green to discuss flood issues this morning.
Also present were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, Seberang Perai City Council (MPSP) president Datuk Rozali Mohamud, Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer and Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong.
Jagdeep said three flood mitigation projects costing RM80 million in Seberang Perai, which were supposed to be completed come March 2020, would help solve the flood issues in 26 locations in the state.
He added that low lying areas need to be upgraded, citing the low road surface of roads like Jalan Van Praagh, which were flooded yesterday evening after a torrential rain rendering the area impassable to traffic.
“MBPP and Department of Drainage and Irrigation need to work together to look into this problem,” he commented.
Touching on the Sungai Pinang Flood Mitigation project, he said the RM150 million project included the consultancy fee of RM10 million.
“The project is scheduled to start by middle of next year pending completion of consultancy studies
“It also involves the study of upgrading the drainage infrastructure to tackle issue of floodings due to climate change,” Jagdeep stressed.
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Ainul Wardah Sohili