Government will consider extra funds for floods-hit Penang, says Najib

PM Najib Razak was greeted by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng upon his arrival at the Royal Malaysia Air Force base. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
PM Najib was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

TASEK GELUGOR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said on Tuesday (Nov 7) that the Federal Government will look at allocating additional funds to resolve Penang's flood problem.

He said the state's Drainage and Irrigation Department had identified 13 flood mitigation projects for Penang amounting to RM1 billion (S$322 million), adding that Putrajaya had already approved RM150 million for the purpose.

"We are willing to consider giving out the additional allocation based on our financial ability," said Najib.

"A meeting between the Federal Government and state government will be held to decide how we can carry out the flood mitigation projects so that the problems can be solved," he said after visiting flood victims at Sekolah Agama Rakyat Ar-Ridwan in Nyior Sebatang here.

Najib arrived on Tuesday morning to assess the flood situation in Penang. He was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. Also present was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Almost the whole of Penang was submerged in 0.2m to 1m of water from strong winds and heavy rain since Saturday, which also uprooted several trees.

The flood which has claimed seven lives is reported to be the worst ever experienced by the state.

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