Deluge in Penang: Politicians pitch in for flood relief

Jagdeep (in white) giving out bags of food to constituents who are affected by floods.

SEVERAL politicians wasted no time getting involved in flood relief efforts.

Penang MCA chief Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, who grew up in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, waded around town with firemen to help evacuate residents.

Penang Umno chief Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman and Kepala Batas MP Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican helped out at a flood relief centre in Kepala Batas.

A rain-drenched Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Oh Tong Keong was seen in Bayan Baru giving meal rations to people involved in cleanup work.

Meanwhile, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin was in his constituency to meet flood-hit residents.

Oh giving out food to a flood victim in Bayan Baru.

 

A team led by Gerakan legal bureau chairman Datuk Baljit Singh helped direct traffic in Jalan Datuk Keramat at dawn.

To his dismay, Baljit later discovered his service centre in Jalan Kuantan was flooded with 1m of water and caked in mud.

“I have used this house for 30 years and it has never been flooded till now. This is not normal,” he said angrily.

Datuk Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo was also seen wading through muddy water, lugging bags of food for those affected.

But Penanti assemblyman Dr Norlela Ariffin had to post her apologies on Facebook because she was down with pneumonia.

Zainal Abidin (in blue) and Reezal Merican (blue and red shirt) comforting flood victims in Kepala Batas.

Baljit Singh’s legal advisor Kernail Singh cleaning the mud-caked floor of the service centre along Jalan Kuantan.

 

Sim (second left) and his personal assistants visiting affected residents in his constituency.

Dr Norlela conveying her apologies for not being able to help as she is down with pneumonia.