Penang DAP has collected a whopping RM5,132,320.87 for the state's flood victims since the party's donation drive started at 10am on Nov 5.

DAP Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari thanked the people who donated the amount in just 64 hours since the fund was set up by the party.

The fund was the party's immediate response to the disaster that hit Penang on Nov 4 and 5, killing seven, displacing about 5,000 people and affecting 80 percent of the island and mainland.

Strong winds resulted in fallen trees, damaged properties, the collapse of roads and a ferry being lifted onto the concrete at the jetty on Weld Quay.

"We started the fund after we received a lot of sympathy and questions from members of the public who wanted to help the victims of the disaster," Zairil told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly dining hall today.

"We extend our endless heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors who not only donated money but food and other stuff to the victims.

"They also helped spread the news about our donation drive, and we truly appreciate their contributions," Zairil added.

Accompanying Zairil at the media event was State DAP secretary Lim Hui Ying.

Zairil said the amount collected thus far would be handed over to the state government.

"But we will continue with the donation drive until Nov 15," he said.

Asked how the party planned to ensure the transparency of the funds, Zairil said the donations were not put into DAP Penang's main account.

He said all the money received were put into a reserve account, and it would be handed over to the state for the flood victims.

Those who still wish to help the flood victims can donate their money to DAP Penang, Maybank account number 5070-1301-4596.

In a similar development, two NGOs - LLG Cultural Foundation and Penang Old Friends Association, handed over RM40,000 to state executive councillor on caring society, environment and welfare Phee Boon Poh. 

Phee expressed gratitude to the donors who placed their love and trust in the state government to carry out projects to restore the lives of victims.

LLG Foundation chairperson Toh Kin Woon said the two NGOs viewed the disaster seriously and felt it was necessary to contribute to the emergency fund.

"We hope the funds can contribute sufficiently to restore the lives of victims and replace some of the lost belongings.

"There are many efforts out there and we are just one of them, the fund has donors not only from Penang but other states as well," added Toh, at the State Legislative Assembly lobby.

In the afternoon, the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple trustees also donated RM25,000 to state executive councillor on flood mitigation Chow Kon Yeow.

The temple's spokesperson AL Lakshaman said members of the board wanted to participate in the donation drive to help the victims "in whatever way possible".

"No matter what has happened, we hope Penang will bounce back," he said.