“Flood hotspots have been identified, and we are monitoring them closely. I urge residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and ready to follow instructions to relocate if necessary,” Chow said.

In September, more than 700 flood victims from three districts were relocated to 11 centres due to heavy rain and strong winds.

Chow said flood mitigation projects could help reduce the impact of flooding but the projects could not prevent floods as unpredictable rainfall, especially heavy downpours in a short period, could overwhelm drainage systems.

When asked about the long-stalled Sungai Pinang flood mitigation project, Chow said work had already begun on the final phase. However, he did not share further details.

The project would lead to the widening and deepening of the river, which often overflows its banks during high tides and downpours.

According to past reports, the RM600 million federal-funded project will ease floods in key areas such as Jalan P Ramlee. Problems of land acquisition and relocation have delayed the project, which began in the 1990s. It was supposed to be done in three phases.

Less funds for cultural events

Speaking after attending a literary festival here, Chow said the state government has to trim its funding for cultural and literary events such as the George Town Literary Festival.

He urged state-linked companies to work with organisers and collaborate with third parties to keep such festivals alive, saying the state government remains committed to supporting all forms of arts and culture, especially literature.

“The hope had always been that such a venture would sooner or later evolve into a model that would need less government money, and roots itself deeply among stakeholders in society,” he said.

Chow called for efforts to inculcate the reading and writing habit among the young, to produce more Malaysian-born authors such as Tan Twan Eng. He said the state government was exploring ways to collaborate with schools.