THE state government is planning to set up a special unit to act as a standby team in the event of any natural disaster caused by climate change.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state needs to be prepared for any natural disaster after attending the MBPP councillors swearing-in ceremony at City Hall this afternoon.
“Being a state that is exposed to natural disasters, Penang needs to be in a mode of preparedness without relying much help from the Federal agencies.
“We want to have concrete plans to ensure that Penang has the resilience to face natural disasters caused by climate change.
“Thus, the state government sees the need to set up this unit,” he said.
Chow added that it was vital to ensure the standard requirements of any drainage construction for new projects are met so that it will be able to accommodate the rain water during a downpour.
“We hope that through the Natural Disaster Management Unit, the issues pertaining to a natural disaster can be managed in a holistic manner.
“In Penang, we have many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sectors which are always on the forefront to help us in times of crisis.
“Thus, the state government would want to join forces with these organisations through whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
“However, this unit will not be in action only during a natural disaster but they will be part of the planning team for early intervention with regard to the climate change,” he said.
Prior speaking to the media, Chow welcomed the return of MBPP’s squad which went to Selangor for a flood relief work.
Chow also visited the ongoing seawall project at the Esplanade, which is under the North Seafront Masterplan.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad