Story by Danny Ooi
PENANG is seeking information from the public on hillside areas deemed as dangerous following the storm which flooded 80% of the state on Nov 5.
State Environment, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the information can be given to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) or any representative of the state for verification.
He said the state government needs to know the exact locations so that specialist teams can be seconded to inspect and ascertain the soil status.
“Please come forward. We want to know where it is,” Phee said when winding up his speech at the State Assembly sitting recently.
Phee said this following a news report that there were about 30 minor landslips along Penang Hill since a major landslide disrupted the funicular train service.
He also said that the state is willing to work with the Federal Government to address concerns over hillslope development.
The same principle applies to liaising with civil societies on this matter.
“We can work together. There is room to do that but the state government needs to know where the landslide spots are located. Inform us and we will check.”
Meanwhile, on Agenda Ekonomi Saksama (AES), he said the state government has spent RM26,311,213 from 2009 till October 2017.
Till Sept 2017, a total of 1,475 individuals and families have benefitted from the aid.
“There were 667 recipients in Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Selatan (174), Seberang Perai Tengah (274), Barat Daya (190) and Timur Laut (170).”
In summing up, Phee thanked all parties including government departments, non-governmental organisations and private institutions which have assisted the state government to carry out all its welfare, caring society and environment projects to benefit all Penangites.