THE federal government did not announce any new allocation for flood-hit Penang following last weekend’s storm, said the state government.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Prime Minister Najib Razak did not announce new funds when the latter visited flood victims in the state on Tuesday.

He said there was a need to clarify the matter after it was misreported that Najib had announced a RM150 million flood-mitigation project for Sungai Pinang, leading the Barisan Nasional leader to be criticised for “recycling the funds announcement”.

Old announcement, not recycled

“When Najib made the remark, he was aware that it was an old announcement from last year. He said the federal government would seriously consider giving funds,” Lim told reporters at the state legislative assembly building’s lobby today.

“Unfortunately, his remark was misreported by his own media, causing him to be criticised and accused of recycling the announcement by some parties.

“I am not defending Najib. It is only fair to set the record straight.”

When asked to comment on the prime minister reportedly telling Penang to be careful when it came to development, Lim said the disaster in the state was due to natural causes.

“Najib made the remark in passing. We all know that the disaster had nothing to do with development. What happened was due to a natural disaster.”

Penang was hit by its worst flash floods in many years, causing 12,559 people to be evacuated from their homes, following heavy rains that began on Saturday afternoon and lasted until Sunday morning.

Floodwaters rose quickly after the record heavy rains and strong winds, which also led to landslides and numerous trees being uprooted.

Ignore attacks by detractors

Lim, addressing the criticisms that have been hurled at the state government, said the administration would not be distracted by such attacks and would remain focused on getting Penang back on track.

He urged the public to ignore attempts to belittle flood relief efforts.

“I know that some in the opposition are making fun of the state. They can make fun of me and criticise me for as long as they want. But, they should leave the flood victims alone.”

As at 10am today, 1,161 people were still being housed at nine evacuation centres in northern Seberang Prai, said State Secretary Farizan Darus.

Another 306 people are seeking shelter at six centres in central Seberang Prai.

All other centres in the state have closed as more people return home.

Donations and weekend clean-up

Lim has launched the Penang Bangkit website, which will post updates on flood relief aid and other announcements.

Those who wish to donate to the state’s flood disaster relief fund can find details here.

The chief minister urged people to volunteer their time and help their fellow citizens clean up their flood-hit homes this weekend.

He said Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali would be in town tomorrow to aid in the clean-up.

Those interested in volunteering can check the Penang Bangkit website to find out where and when to assemble.

Meanwhile, Penang religious exco Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said the state government had allocated an initial RM100,000 to help mosques, surau and Sekolah Agama Rakyat recover from the floods.

He said some 20 mosques in the state were damaged in the disaster.

International aid

Earlier this afternoon, Lim received a flood relief donation of RM50,000 from the Consulate-General of China in Penang.

Consul-General Wu Jing said he was confident that the state would recover quickly.

He told Lim that the Shanxi and Hainan provinces conveyed their condolences to Penang over the disaster, which saw seven people killed, and messages of support, adding that Hainan would donate 100,000 yuan (RM63,100).

Several associations in China are also raising funds to aid Penang in its post-flood recovery. – November 10, 2017.