The Penang government today tabled an emergency motion at the State Legislative Assembly to convey its condolences to the victims who lost their lives in the Penang floods.

During the floods which began on Saturday, at least seven lives, including senior citizens were lost due to drowning and fallen trees.

State executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow tabled the motion this morning, which was unanimously supported by all assemblypersons, both from Pakatan Harapan and BN.

“We also extend our sympathies to all those who suffered loss of property during the floods of Nov 4 and 5,” he said.

In the motion, Chow thanked all state and federal agencies, local councils, NGOs, institutions and individuals who helped out during the crisis, which saw a record rainfall of 315mm, the highest in the state’s history.

He also praised the “spirit of unity” shown during the rescue mission, which also involved the military and police, and called for a review of crisis response standard operating procedures.

“We urge those who are responsible – at federal, state and local government levels – to review their standard operating procedures on sharing information, safe and rescue mission, offering assistance, so that it could be more effective and would reduce the impact on those faced with the disaster.

“We also urge all responsible quarters to work together, to address the flood problem, especially by implementing a more wholesome flood mitigation projects, and increase the awareness of the people towards the importance of the environment,” he added.

The motion was seconded by Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon, and was met with no objections from the floor.

Muhammad Farid Saad (BN-Pulau Betong) expressed his support for the motion and thanked state and federal agencies for their commitment in helping Penangites face the crisis.

“However, we suggest that the distribution of tents, food and medicines for victims be improved (so that the items are given out) in a more effective way,” he added.

Eighteen other assemblypersons discussed the motion, and many identified lthe ack of correct and updated information as an issue during disasters and emergency situations.

Soon Lip Chee (DAP-Jawi) said the Meteorological Department was not sensitive or quick enough to issue an alert on the weather so that the people could get prepared to face disasters.

Soon also proposed that a task force comprising all relevant agencies be formed to respond swiftly to disaster situations.

Shah Headan Ayoob Shah (BN-Teluk Bahang) said a better relationship needs to be fostered between state and federal agencies so that the teams could work better during emergency relief operations.

“I am not interested in talking about politics now, but both state and federal agencies have helped me sincerely in my constituency.

“There were workers who did not slep for hours, and they managed to rescue many sick people when the water rose,” Shah Headan said.

RSN Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima, photo) called on all to put aside their political differences to help Penangites go through the incident.

He hailed all state leaders, including Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, state agencies and local council workers, who “turun padang” (went down to the ground) to meet the flood victims.

Rayer also praised Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali for the financial aid of RM1 million and Minister Shahidan Kassim.

He urged BN leaders to advise all its politicians not to hurl hurtful words to insult the efforts of the state to deal with the disaster but praised ministers such as Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who responded to Lim at 3.30am on Sunday when the latter called for help to send in the military to aid the flood victims.

“It is important for all to know, even though we argue over political issues and policies, it is a blessing in disguise that disasters show our human side,” Rayer said.