10,000 tonnes of rubbish cleared in flood aftermath

One of the temporary dump sites filled with giant heaps of rubbish collected from flood-hit areas in Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Prai.

ALMOST 10,000 tonnes of waste have been cleared from the streets since Penang was hit by the worst floods in 30 years.

State Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said more than 70% of affected areas in Seberang Prai and 96% on the island had been cleaned from Nov 5 to 12, adding that all the evacuation centres had since been closed down.

“The state government, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Prai Municipal Council are committed to finish the cleanup as soon as possible.

“We would like to record our gratitude to all agencies, companies, non-governmental organisations and volunteers who have helped us in the effort,” he said on the sidelines of the state assembly meeting yesterday.

Chow said the two-day statewide Penang Volunteer event which ended on Sunday was a success, with 10,000 volunteers including local council workers from Selangor, Johor and other states joining the effort.

“The major challenge now is moving the waste from temporary disposal sites to the landfill.

“We also need to monitor the hygiene of the community to avoid communicable diseases.

“I would like to urge all residents in affected areas to bear with us for a few more days.

“We will ensure that the cleanliness level is restored to normal within a week,” he said.

MBPP mayor Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the fallen trees which were reported in 118 locations had since been cleared, except for those in Jalan Irrawadi, Jalan Batu Gantung and Taman Sri Pinang flats.

Those who need help from the council can call the MBPP flood hotline at 013-5696939 or the MBPP hotline [phone].

Seberang Prai Municipal Council president Rozali Mohamud said 71 areas were affected by floods in north Seberang Prai (SPU) followed by 56 in central Seberang Prai (SPT) and five in south Seberang Prai (SPS) in the floods.

“We have completed the clean-up process in both SPU and SPS. The only places that need attention are those in SPT — Taman Desa Damai, Taman Kota Permai, Taman Sri Rambai and Taman Makok. These are the worst hit places where the waters receded only after a few days,” he said.