Penang opposition leader Jahara Hamid today cited two outspoken members of the state administration as voices that are often ignored by the state government.

Debating the 2018 state budget unveiled last week, Jahara named the two leaders as Teh Yee Cheu (DAP-Tanjung Bungah) and Norlela Ariffin (PKR-Penanti), who she said, often raised concerns over issues of hillside development and floods.

"The Penang government and the local councils (Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai Municipal Council) have turned a deaf ear to them.

"They spoke about the people's plight until they cried. Please do not let the people cry," said the Teluk Ayer Tawar assemblyperson.

Jahara said in its enthusiasm to develop Penang, state government leaders no longer listen to the views and pleas of the people.

Teh (photo) had said he would quit DAP at the end of his term, as "DAP has diverted from its principals."

Norlela, meanwhile, got into the state administration's bad books when she highlighted the issue of an illegal factory in Sungai Lembu, which landed Phee Boon Poh, the state exco in charge of environment, under MACC custody.

Jahara also questioned why Penang Forum - a coalition of NGOs which had voiced out against the state's environmental policies, is looked down upon by the state administration.

“Why does the state government look down on Penang Forum? They are merely highlighting the problems and concerns of the people; instead, their efforts and analysis by experts in the field to address the issue should be appreciated,” she said.

On the RM10 million allocation announced by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for the protection of hills and the study on climate change, Jahara said it was "too little, too late."

"After 10 years of (DAP) governing the state, there had been 119 flood incidents, and 11 lives lost (in the Oct 21 Tanjung Bungah landslide)," she said.

“The state government ought to be serious in handling the problem, prioritise flood mitigation projects instead of other mega projects, to ensure that another flood disaster can be avoided,” she added.