THE flood mitigation project at Solok Van Praagh under the Sungai Pinang basin is now 90% complete, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said the long-awaited project is progressing well and is targeted for completion by the end of this year.
“The flood mitigation project in Sungai Pinang is actively being carried out, and hopefully, it will be completed soon. The one at Solok Van Praagh is already 90% completed,” he said.
He added that according to project sources, the retention ponds have been completed, while only the inlet and outlet works remain unfinished.
The agency chiefly in charge of undertaking the Solok Van Praagh project is the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) for RM5.71 million.
Chow also mentioned that other flood mitigation efforts are ongoing at Batu Lanchang and Jalan Masjid Negeri.
Reflecting on Penang’s progress, Chow said the state’s growth since 2008 has been both steady and people-focused.
“Since 2008, when we were given the mandate, we have opened a new pathway in Penang.
“Until now, we can feel comfortable that the state’s development continues to grow harmoniously and benefits the people,” he said.
Chow was speaking during a Deepavali charity programme where hampers were distributed to underprivileged families.
At the event, some 210 Deepavali hampers were distributed to families in need, and 70 hampers for each state constituency under the Jelutong parliamentary area.
Meanwhile, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer reminded everyone not to forget families from the B40 group during the Deepavali season.
“Let us not forget those from the B40 families during this festival of lights,” he said, referring to the handover of hampers ahead of the Deepavali celebration on Oct 20.
Rayer also shared his thoughts on the National Budget 2026, which was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Friday.
He expressed appreciation to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo for supporting the Ladang Jeram Tamil School initiative, where a container will be converted into a classroom for children in that community.
Rayer also welcomed the 50% toll fee discount announced for Oct 18 and 19, saying it would help ease the burden of those travelling for the festive season.
Also present was Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng, who expressed appreciation for Rayer’s consistent service and dedication to his constituents.
“I appreciate Rayer, especially his role as an MP for his constituents,” Lim said.
Among others present at the event were Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan