The Penang government has expressed its gratitude to 10,000 volunteers who helped clean 70 percent of the flood-affected areas on Seberang Perai and 95 percent of such areas on Penang Island after the disastrous flood of Nov 4 and 5.

With such "heroic" efforts, state executive councillor for local government affairs Chow Kon Yeow said, he was confident that the state would bounce back and shine again soon.

"We would like to update that we have cleared more than 70 percent of the places in Seberang Perai and 95 percent of the places on the island that had been reported to the local councils after the flood.

"From Nov 5 until 12, some 9,389 tonnes of waste have been cleared from our streets," Chow said at a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly today.

"There are only about three to five locations left on the island that needs to be cleaned while Seberang Perai still has about 30 percent out of all the reported spots that need cleaning.

"The state government, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) are committed to complete this challenge as soon as possible," vowed Chow (photo), who is also the state DAP chief.

The Penang government launched a two-day volunteers programme on Saturday and Sunday to help clean the areas affected by floods.

This was after Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced an RM100 million fund to rebuild the state in a programme dubbed "Penang Bounce Back".

The major challenge for cleaners now is to move waste from the temporary disposal sites to a landfill, to monitor the local community hygiene to avoid communicable diseases and to tackle disturbances faced by the residents.

All places will be clean within a week

Chow said the local council workers have been working at maximum capacity for the entire week.

"Lorries have been making countless waste transfer trips, working until 3 or 4am.

"I would like to urge all residents in the affected areas to bear with us for a few more days. We will ensure that within a week's time, the cleanliness level will be restored to normal.

"We know that this is a mammoth task but we are committed to face the challenges and our efforts are far from perfect. We need all Penangites to pitch in together to help complete this uphill task," Chow said.

At the same press conference, MBPP mayor Maimunah Sharif (photo) said only four out of 127 locations on the island have not been cleaned up since the floods, which claimed seven lives and displaced thousands of people.

Three out of 118 locations with fallen, uprooted trees have been cleared since Nov 12, Maimunah said.

These locations are Jalan Irrawadi, Batu Gantong and Taman Sri Pinang.

"The trees could not be cleared as the roads are narrow and special machinery is needed to do the job," she said.

As for garbage, 5,889 tonnes were collected on the island from Nov 5 to 12.

"A total of 4,136 volunteers participated on Saturday, and 2,609 on Sunday.

"A total of 6,745 volunteers took part in cleaning activities on two days. They comprise helpers from other states as well, NGOs, student groups and MBPP staff," Maimunah said.

"The Selangor Disaster Management Unit sent 175 volunteers and 47 assets (lorries, machinery, etc), while Johor sent 35 volunteers and seven assets.

"Rubbish were collected and all areas cleaned in eight days, except areas affected by mud. These areas are Jalan Zoo and Lorong Zoo, Taman Nibong (6 places), Jalan Ulong and Jalan Lintang.

"We need another two days to clear these areas following the heavy rain on Nov 11," she added.