GEORGE TOWN: A combination of factors, which include continuous heavy rain and overflowing rivers, were blamed as the cause of flash floods and landslides in Penang this morning.
State Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said initial reports showed that 21 villages were affected.
Flood waters, measuring between 1m and 3m, submerged nearly 150 houses in the affected areas.
"The areas affected are deemed flood hotspots.
"We are doing all we can to extend the necessary assistance," he said.
Chow said the state Drainage and Irrigation Department has requested for RM665,000 to carry out seven short-term projects to minimise the floods in some of the affected areas.
"We have approved the sum and works will be carried out soonest," he added.
Meanwhile, Chow maintaind the landslides at Jalan Batu Ferringhi-Jalan Teluk Bahang, which closed the stretch to traffic for the day, was not caused by hill-clearing activities.