GEORGE TOWN: All development projects on the island will henceforth be closely scrutinised by the state government in a pre-emptive move to mitigate future flash floods.
State Local Government and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said primary focus will be placed on development projects near hillslopes and the river basin.
He said the Penang Island City Council (MPBB) will be tasked with identifying and monitoring
project sites to help relevant authorities tackle chronic flash flooding which has occurred four times in the state since Oct 29.
"MBPP will map out projects, (especially) on the fringes of hills and near the river basin.
"There are six rivers on the island, and the state government will vet area maps as a reference point to step-up flood mitigation measures related to Sungai Pinang and its tributaries, as well as hill areas," Chow said today.
Asked on the number of projects estimated to make the list, Chow said he did not have the exact figures, but estimated that the number could run into the hundreds.
He was speaking to reporters after inspecting the RM7.2 million upgrade works at the Chowrasta Market, which is 95 per cent complete. The refurbished site is slated to begin operations as early as the end of the year. Some 330 stalls located inside and outside the premises will be available for rental.
Meanwhile, Chow said the state government has collected RM100 million in drainage works contributions from developers since 2008.
"The state government has been carrying out small-scale flood mitigation measures for projects ranging in worth from RM500,000 to RM5 million at district areas," he said.