RM7mil drainage system to reduce floods caused by siltation in Batu Ferringhi

A DRAINAGE system costing RM7mil will be constructed in Batu Ferringhi by the Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID). State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the project was expected to solve the flood woes plaguing residents there as the sand buildup at the river mouths was preventing the water from flowing out to sea. “Therefore, each time a heavy rainfall occurs, the overflowing water from the streams will flood to the nearby villages.” He was speaking to reporters after attending a press conference at a hotel yesterday to announce the ‘Penang Beach Make-Over01’ programme to be held at the Batu Ferringhi beach this Saturday. The beach cleanup, which will start from 8am, is aimed at restoring Batu Ferringhi’s status as one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. It is also aimed at instilling awareness among the people to take care of beach cleanliness. Some 500 people from the various non- governmental organisations (NGOs) and government agencies are expected to take part in the programme which will cover the estimated 2km beach stretch. Go green: Chow (third from right) planting one of the trees with MPPP president Patahiyah Ismail (third from left) and other councillors at the intersection of Jalan Sungai Pinang and Jalan Jelutong The event is jointly organised by the state government, Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang) with support from the area’s Village Security and Development Committees. Chow said that the programme would be the first of many beach make-over programmes as the state government and the local council were determined to turn Batu Ferringhi into one of the top tourist destinations in the region. He later attended a tree planting session at the intersection of Jalan Sungai Pinang and Jalan Jelutong. The session was held to replace the four trees that were allegedly cut down by certain individuals who were involved in the placement of an illegal billboard at the area. Council Public Health Standing Committee alternate chairman Ong Ah Teong, who was present, said the trees were probably cut down as they were blocking the billboard which had since been taken down. - The Star