A Penang-based environmental group has raised concerns over massive floods which inundated parts of the island and Seberang Perai yesterday after hours of heavy downpour.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president SM Mohamed Idris in a statement urged the state government to halt all hill clearing activities as a result of overdevelopment.

Aside from flooding, he said SAM also received reports of landslides at areas including Tanjung Bungah and Paya Terubong where there are ongoing hill clearing activities.

"It is quite clear, although such incidents of flooding and landslides in Penang had occurred following heavy rain, we have yet to learn our lesson," said Mohamed Idris who is also Consumer Association of Penang president.

Among others, he noted that the state has failed to implement preventive measures against soil erosion, for example by planting more trees.

"Instead the state continues to approve more logging and hill clearing activities for various development projects.

"All flood prevention methods have been proven to fail if we do not address the root cause of flash floods and landslides due to logging or land clearing activities," he said.

In making the call, Mohamed Idris said the state should ensure that all future development projects are environmentally friendly and sustainable, taking into account global trends of expected increased rainfall linked to climate change.

"Many countries have taken serious steps towards adapting to the impact of climate change but Penang and Malaysia are far behind from having such steps in anticipation of recurring heavy rainfall," he said.

At a press conference with other state councillors yesterday, Penang state executive councillor in charge of local government, traffic management and flood mitigation Chow Kon Yeow said that 100 places in Penang had been affected by lightning and the flash floods which started at 7.30am.

The Air Itam dam recorded 270mm of water, which is a record high.