Penang streets flooded because flood-gate not open

Streets in George Town are often flooded after heavy rain. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: Some streets in the Batu Lanchang area of George Town, Penang, were flooded in knee-deep water today reportedly because a flood-gate had not been opened.

Houses and cars were affected in Jalan Van Praagh, Solok Van Praagh, Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim and around Jalan Sir Ibrahim, according to a media report.

Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong was quoted as saying that a contractor for a flood mitigation scheme did not open the gate although he had been reminded to do so in the morning.

“He told me they couldn’t because they were casting concrete in the drain” which had been closed for repairs, he said, according to Star Online. “By the time the workers got the flood-gate fully opened, water had rushed into people’s homes already.”

A formal complaint is to be lodged with the state Drainage and Irrigation Department, the report said. - FMT