PRIME Minister Najib Razak today visited Kampung Tanjung Putus in Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

He arrived at 12.05pm, accompanied by his wife, Rosmah Mansor, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Mah Siew Keong, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Permatang Pauh MP Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Permatang Pauh Umno division chief  Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said.

Najib and his wife then proceeded to a relief centre at Surau Kampung Tanjung Putus, where he spent almost half an hour chatting with 150 families and later presented them with essential items.

Najib is also scheduled to visit Masjid Nyior Sebatang in Tasek Gelugor, where other flood victims are temporarily staying.

Meanwhile, Zaidi told reporters that the prime minister was satisfied with the assistance rendered by government departments and agencies. 

“The prime minister is happy that the Umno machinery and Federal Village Development and Security Committees had duly come forward to assist affected residents.

“He also noted that there was a delay by government agencies in rendering aid but understands that it is because they have to follow certain procedures,” Zaidi said.

He said food provisions were sufficient, but there was a lack of certain items, such as pillows and mattresses, for affected residents in Permatang Pauh.

To this end, Zaidi said the prime minister had indicated that he would contribute pillows and mattresses to the 3,000 flood victims in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency.

Earlier in Tasek Gelugor, Najib reminded the Penang government to scrutinise proposed development projects before approving them to avert natural disasters such as floods.

He said the approval of development projects must be given in accordance with rules and regulations set by the authorities.

“Any development project that needs to be undertaken must follow the rules so that it does not adversely affect the environment and worsen the situation.

“The federal government will discuss with the Penang government about this as it is important to prioritise the safety and welfare of the people,” he said after visiting the flood relief centre at Sekolah Agama Rakyat Ar Ridwan.

Najib also urged the Penang government to consider the views of civil society organisations on development projects.

Several societies had, in the past, urged the Penang government to scrap hillside development projects. – Bernama, November 7, 2017.