When will Putrajaya approve the Penang government's request for RM350 million for flood mitigation, state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said the state government has raised the issue with the prime minister and minister in-charge of flood mitigation on many occasions since 2008, when Pakatan Rakyat took over the state administration.

"However our request has yet to be approved," said Chow, who is state DAP chairperson.

"Actually the state water and irrigation department has relocated more than 200 families so that flood mitigation works can be done as soon as possible," added the Padang Kota assemblyperson.

He was referring to the flash flood yesterday in several areas in Penang, which hampered Deepavali celebrations.

Chow urged the federal government to immediately approve the request for RM350 million to address the flooding of the Sungai Pinang river.

The Sungai Pinang flooding affects developed areas around Paya Terubong, Bandar Baru Air Itam, Jalan Air Itam, Jalan Lumba Kuda, and the Jelutong area including Jalan P Ramlee, Jalan Dato Keramat and Jalan Sungai Pinang.

"It is urgent that we carry out flood mitigation works around these areas due to the massive flash floods last night.

"The first phase of the flood mitigation works were completed about 10 years ago, but the second phase has been delayed because the federal government has not approved the allocation for it, " Chow said.