ALL state governments have been instructed to review approved projects to ensure that environmental concerns have not been overlooked, said Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Noh Omar.

He said the review was meant to prevent a recurrence of Saturday’s massive floods in Penang in the other states. The Penang deluge led to the death of seven people and evacuation of thousands more from their homes.

Noh said projects in green areas and on hillsides must be looked into, adding that construction of a proper drainage system was also a priority for existing and new developments.

“The problem of floods usually occurs on the east coast, which is why we are more focused there, especially during this monsoon season.

“But in Penang, as we all know, it is unexpected and in a briefing given to me yesterday, there was a dam that was damaged, causing water from outside Penang to enter the state. 

“That is why we have asked all states, when giving their development approvals, to ensure that green areas, hillsides and the management of drainage systems must be immediately looked into.

“If there is a need to build barriers, or if there are (damaged) dams causing floods, these issues must also be looked into immediately before another flood occurs,” Noh Omar said in Parliament today. – November 7, 2017.

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