Proactive measures needed with northeast monsoon hitting region

THE Disaster Management Unit (UPB) must take proactive measures to face the current northeast monsoon.

Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubuk) said the UPB, set up by the Penang government, played a crucial role in managing and coordinating all activities related to crisis responses and emergency management.

He said among the critical tasks were analysing real-time weather data, strategically allocating resources and ensuring that all temporary relocation centres were equipped with essential tools to meet the basic needs of flood victims.

He also expressed his appreciation to the state for building a retention pond in Alma, Bukit Mertajam.

“Efforts to maintain drains and the drainage system should be undertaken promptly.

“Ensure that all pumping stations function properly and retention ponds operate at optimum levels,” Lee said when debating the motion of thanks on the address by Yang Di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak at the Penang Legislative Assembly.

State publisher Buletin Mutiara also quoted Lee as urging the Federal Government to allocate funds for critical infrastructure projects on Penang mainland.

“Immediate action is needed to address traffic congestion on the North-South Expressway, from the Juru toll to Sungai Dua toll.

“The proposed elevated highway is eagerly awaited,” he added.

Meanwhile, Penang local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the suggestion to divide the administrative area of Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) covering 747.81sq km into several new local authorities was a regressive step.

He said the move would not provide added value, especially in terms of finances, for the north and south Seberang Prai districts.

“The proposal (to divide) will lead to resource wastage as shared public facilities, infrastructure, staff and logistics will need duplication according to each district.

“This will also result in a lack of economies of scale,” he said in his reply to a question from Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun) on the possibility of MBSP being divided into several new local authorities.

On a separate matter, Zulkefli Bakar (PN-Penanti) said he hoped that the state would not discriminate against Opposition assemblymen in annual allocations, which should be distributed fairly.

He said this was important to ensure the well-being of Penang folk, regardless of who they supported in the last general election.