The Penang state government is continuing its efforts to tackle flood problems with several projects already in progress.

In Taman Machang Bubuk, a flood mitigation project costing RM1.95 million started on 21 February this year. The works will take about 18 months and are expected to be completed by August next year.

According to State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, about 10 percent of the project has been completed, with utility relocation works now underway. He shared this during a visit to the Machang Bubuk community hall on 2 September, joined by local leaders and technical officers.

The project is fully funded by the state government under the Drainage Contribution fund. Contractor Ye Shen Trading has been appointed to carry out six key components, including upgrading roadside drains and culverts, building a slump structure, and resurfacing the affected roads.

Before this, a study was carried out in 2022 to identify suitable solutions for the area. The findings led to the current project being approved and implemented.

Since 2020, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has received RM26.08 million in allocations for flood mitigation and infrastructure works across its areas.

Apart from Machang Bubuk, another major project is ongoing at Sungai Permatang Rawa with a budget of RM15.6 million. This project has already reached 71 percent completion and is expected to be finished by the end of 2026. Once ready, it will benefit around 1,000 residents in Kampung Permatang Rawa, Kampung Padang Lalang, Kampung Tanah Liat and Taman Guru by reducing the risk of floods.

Looking ahead, the state has also applied for RM105 million in federal funding under the 13th Malaysia Plan to carry out a new flood mitigation project at Sungai Kilang Ubi, which is often affected by flash floods.

“These projects are important to protect residents and reduce flood risks in affected areas,” Zairil said after also visiting a nearly completed flood mitigation site at Taman Sejahtera.

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