CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the public to work together to improve Penang’s well-being, amid ongoing efforts to address flash floods and strengthen the state’s development.
He said every party had a role in ensuring Penang remained a safe and comfortable place to live, with the government providing leadership and implementing policies and projects. At the same time, the private sector helped create jobs and economic opportunities.
“We all love Penang, and we want to see Penang become better,” he said during the Deepavali celebration organised by the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency at Sunshine Central in Farlim today.
Chow also highlighted the state’s ongoing flood mitigation efforts following heavy rain that caused flash floods in several areas in the Northeast and Southwest districts earlier in the day.
He said the Sungai Pinang flood mitigation project, which involves an allocation of more than RM100 million, was about 50% complete and would require approximately another year to finish.
The project aims to address flash floods along Sungai Pinang, Sungai Jelutong and their tributaries.
Chow stressed that regular monitoring and maintenance were equally important in preventing flooding, citing recurring water accumulation along the Bukit Kukus Highway towards Jalan Tun Sardon in Balik Pulau.
He said the problem could potentially be avoided if drainage pipes were regularly inspected and cleared of rubbish to ensure water flowed properly.
With Penang entering its rainy season, he urged residents in low-lying areas and near hillsides to remain vigilant, particularly during periods of prolonged rainfall.
Chow also expressed his condolences to the family of Dr Wong Kar Lin, in his seventies, who died after a landslide struck him home in Paya Terubong earlier today.
He said the incident was a tragic loss of life and stressed the importance of continued efforts to safeguard the public.
On the state’s development, Chow said Federal Government support had enabled Penang to continue implementing projects that would benefit residents and strengthen the state’s contribution to the country’s socioeconomic growth.
He also acknowledged the temporary inconvenience caused by the construction of the Bandar Baru Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway bypass project, which is expected to open to the public in April next year.
Meanwhile, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh proposed naming the bypass project’s Package Two as Lebuhraya Bukit Gelugor.
The proposal received loud applause from the crowd, with Ramkarpal expressing hope that it could be brought to the upcoming Penang State Legislative Assembly for consideration.
Ramkarpal also said 500 vouchers worth RM60 each were being distributed to residents across Seri Delima, Paya Terubong and Air Itam under the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency.
“I understand that the rising cost of living can be challenging for many families. While this contribution may be modest, I sincerely hope it brings some relief and helps make the festive preparations a little easier,” he said.
He added that serving the community meant staying connected with residents, understanding their needs and doing what was possible to assist them.
Chow and Ramkarpal subsequently handed out the vouchers to recipients at the event.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud