SAM urges immediate action to overcome flash floods in Machang Bubok

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) urges the Penang state government and local authority to investigate the causes of recent flash floods in three villages including some major roads surrounding Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT).

A total of 100 houses in Machang Bubok, Permatang Rawa and Tanah Liat were affected by flash floods after heavy rain a few days ago. The flash flood caused a lot of damage and destroyed belongings of residents here.

Commenting on the incident, SAM has requested the state government and the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) to take immediate action to tackle the problem before it gets worse.

SAM believes that if the causes of these flash floods are not effectively overcome the residents in these areas would be affected more seriously in the future.

SAM found out that the implementation of development projects near Kampung Machang Bubok has resulted in the area being vulnerable to flooding when it rains heavily. New development projects elevated to a higher position than the village are believed to have caused flash floods to hit the area.

Project developers here should have built proper drainage system so that the residential areas would not be affected by overflow and flooded during rain.

SAM hopes that a thorough investigation and effective action is taken by the Penang government and MPSP so that the flood problem no longer haunts the residents and affect their daily lives.

Enforcement of laws and regulations relating to this matter should be strictly implemented so that development projects do not threaten the environment and the lives of people.

SAM suggests that residents who suffered losses due to damage and destruction of property and belongings as a result of this incident are given assistance or compensation by the Penang state government to ease their burden.

Press Release, 15th May 2015