Over 100 residents of Taman Seri Setia in Tanjung Bungah, Penang gathered today to sign a petition urging the Penang DAP government to investigate the floods which hit the area last Sunday.

The petition will be handed over to Tanjung Bungah state assemblyperson Teh Yee Cheu, who will submit it to the state local government, traffic management and flood mitigation committee chairperson Chow Kon Yeow tomorrow.

Wong Fook Kong, 55, said the area had never experienced floods exceeding a metre before, and that this was the worst incident in history.

"Previously, even if there were flash floods, they were only up to ankle-height, and not up to the chest. A total of three low-cost apartments in the housing estate have been affected by the floods, whereby the houses on the ground floor have been filled with water.

“This is not clear water, but muddy flood waters," he told reporters today.

Wong, who has lived in the area for about 12 years, said around 30 houses, 115 cars and 87 motorcycles were submerged in the 1.5 metre-high water during the floods.

Meanwhile, Teh (photo) who was also present, said residents also urged the state government to stop development on the hillslopes because such development can cause floods in the area.

He said among other things, residents also requested the relevant authorities to improve and upgrade the drainage system in the area, as well as clean up the clogged drains which could not accommodate the gush of water, causing the massive floods.

Nearly all areas in Penang were affected by floods – with some areas submerged in 0.2 to one metre of water – following strong winds and heavy rain last Saturday, which also uprooted dozens of trees.

The incident has so far claimed seven lives.

- Bernama