TASEK GELUGOR — Nov. 7, 2017: The Penang government must scrutinise proposed development projects before approving them to avert natural disasters such as floods.
According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, approval must also be in accordance with the rules and regulations.
He said the federal government will discuss with the state government on this as it is important to prioritise the safety and welfare of the people.
Najib spoke to reporters after visiting the flood relief centre at Sekolah Agama Rakyat Ar Ridwan here today. Present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
The prime minister also asked the Penang government to consider the views of non-governmental organisations if doing so is beneficial to all parties. Several NGOs have been asking the Penang government to scrap hillside development projects.
On the floods, Najib is satisfied with the role played by the state government and its agencies.
The state government told Najib that it needs RM1 billion to implement 13 large and small projects to alleviate flooding. The federal government has approved RM150 million for the third phase of the Sungai Pinang Basin flood mitigation project.
Najib attributed the recent massive floods to both heavy rain and poor human attitude, saying that the rainfall on Sunday was equivalent to one month’s rain.
