AN emergency motion at the Penang legislative assembly on the last weekend’s flood disaster was passed with unanimous support after flood mitigation exco Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Padang Kota) read out the motion.

Chow extended the House’s condolences to the families of victims who died in the flash floods, and thanked the various state and federal agencies and individuals who had helped in flood relief efforts yesterday.

“We urge all federal, state and local government parties to study and improve the standard operating procedure in channelling information.

“We also rescue and relief work to be more efficient and effective so as to lessen the impact of the disaster.

“All of us must work together to implement better flood mitigation projects, and increase the people’s awareness in the importance of protecting the environment and ability to handle disasters,” he said in this morning’s sitting.

During the debate, Dr Muhamad Farid Saad (BN-Pulau Betong) said he supported the motion tabled by Chow.

He proposed relief work and conditions at evacuation centres be improved so evacuees would be more comfortable.

“Some have had to sleep on cloth. They had no pillows. Food was donated by many but the supply did not arrive on schedule. 

“We will also need some medical supplies for those with coughs and others,” he said.

Mahmud Zakaria (BN-Sungai Acheh) urged the state to keep a closer watch and take action against illegal developments that could contribute to flash floods.

His Umno colleague Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain Shah (BN-Teluk Bahang) also supported the motion, calling on the state government to allocate enough funds to improve the drainage system.

Soon Lip Chee (DAP-Jawi) highlighted the need for the meteorological department to promptly send the latest weather information to the people.

“Often we only know of the severe weather after it happens. At best, we get alerts an hour or 30 minutes before it happens. The department needs to be strengthened.

“We also need a special department to coordinate disaster relief. State and federal governments must work together,” he said, adding Putrajaya should also send funds.

Wong Hon Wai (DAP-Air Itam), whose area was flooded, agreed disaster relief operations, information management and the drainage system must be improved.

Meanwhile, R.S.N. Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) praised Barisan Nasional ministers such as Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim for their assistance.

Shahidan arrived in Penang last night to help coordinate relief efforts. 

Zahid, who immediately sent the army to aid Penang after receiving a distress call from Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng early yesterday morning, and Hishammuddin are coming today.

Rayer said the disaster united both sides of the political divide while citizens were also doing their best to help their fellow Penangites who had to be evacuated.

“People cooked and brought food to flood victims. It shows how ready Malaysians are in helping others.

“We may fight over politics and policies, but sometimes disasters are blessing in disguise,” he said, while thanking the Selangor government for its RM1 million donation. – November 6, 2017.