The opposition in Penang has requested the state government to provide financial compensation to the flood victims as too much of their belongings have been lost and destroyed during the massive floods of Nov 4 and 5, which killed seven people.

Muhammad Farid Saad (BN-Pulau Betong) suggested that RM2,000 as compassionate donation be provided to the each of the victims who suffered the loss of their transport vehicles and household items.

“The victims need the allocation to replace a lot of public and personal properties, such as cars, household items and bedroom facilities like beds, which have been destroyed by the flood,” Farid said in the Penang Legislative Assembly today.

“We hope they do not need to fill up membership forms to be able to qualify for the donation; we hope they can be given the money in a sincere manner.

“We hope the state government will provide the allocation after they have been verified to be flood victims by the assemblypersons, police or JKKK (village development and security committees),” Farid added.

Highest rainfall in history

Penang experienced a rainfall of 320mm on Nov 4, the highest rainfall level in the history of the state.

Coupled with strong winds and high tides, all districts in the state - on the island and the mainland - were inundated by the flood, with 3,779 people evacuated to about 42 relief centres.

Strong winds also caused many trees to fall, resulting in massive traffic jams on the roads, while several buildings, such as hillslope projects in Tanjung Bungah collapsed.

Farid was supposed to table his request as an emergency motion in the Penang Legislative Assembly today.

However, with state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow (photo) having tabled an emergency motion on the flood crisis, which was backed by both BN and Pakatan Harapan assemblypersons, Farid said there was no need for him to table another motion.

“I just hope the state executive council will discuss my suggestion. Since Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng always talks of a surplus budget, we hope consideration can be made for these flood victims,” Farid said.

Gerakan offers help

Meanwhile, state Gerakan acting Youth chief Jason Loo said the party has received support from volunteers who have donated food, drinking water, clothes and blankets for the victims.

Loo said his party has also received support from volunteers who offered help in cleaning up victims’ houses.

“We appeal to members of the public to join us in this flood relief effort. You are not alone and we will go through this together,” Loo said.

He urged those who need help to contact the Penang Gerakan Headquarters at 139, Macalister Road, 10400 Penang (tel: 04-2280228).

Those interested in helping can also contact Loo directly at 012-3286306 or Saravanan (012-4695321) on the flood relief arrangements.