Jelutong MP RSN Rayer said an FMP had been implemented in phases for Sungai Pinang, Penang’s longest river. However, the last and most critical phase had yet to be completed, he said, adding that thousands living along the river were displaced every year.
Although there were indications that the FMP had been approved, he said, the timeline of the project might be long due to procedural issues.
He added that Penangites had waited over 20 years for the Sungai Pinang FMP.
“In my maiden address to the Parliament recently, I reminded the government that we must expedite flood funds to Penang as we are living on borrowed time.
“Today, I am wading through water in my constituency over a metre in depth. I think it is high time for the finance ministry to immediately send funds our way and fast-track these projects,” he said when contacted.
A four-hour downpour beginning at 2am wreaked havoc on Penang island this morning, with local authorities reporting a rainfall of 1.95mm.
The floods remained stagnant at between 0.3m and 0.6m and receded as the weather improved at about 10am. High tides also made it impossible for waterways to empty the sudden surge of rainfall to the sea, authorities said.
Over 15 localities in the island were affected, with the Jalan P Ramlee (Caunter Hall Road) area worst hit.
Some 30 people had been evacuated to two relief centres at the time of writing.
Sungai Pinang FMP, delayed since 1998
The three-phase Sungai Pinang FMP was initiated by the federal government in 1998 to address the frequent flooding problems.
The first phase of the project began in 1998 with the widening and deepening of the river from the estuary to the Jalan Patani bridge, at a cost of RM6.45 million.
The second phase was carried out between the Jalan Patani bridge and Dobby Ghaut near Dato Keramat in 1999.
The third and final phase was to focus on the upstream portion of the river. It was aimed at improving the water quality and widening and deepening the river.
It was delayed as the city council had to remove the squatters by the riverbank to allow the mitigation project to take place. The squatter resettlement has since been cleared.
Last year, the Penang government budgeted RM351 million worth of FMPs after the historic November floods. Reports at the time indicated that the projects would be completed by 2020.
‘Good news coming soon’
State flood mitigation committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the present federal government was serious about implementing the Sungai Pinang FMP.
He said following a recent discussion with the government, the Sungai Pinang FMP which had been stalled for 20 years was given approval for implementation.
“We are in the process of appointing consultants to come up with a detailed design drawing before an open tender can be called.
“The project job scope will be ascertained after the detailed design is determined,” Zairil said in a statement today.
“This is good news for all Penangites. But all parties must be patient as projects this large will take time to complete.”