GEORGE TOWN, Nov 13 – Over the past two days, the Penang State government launched a two-day statewide Penang Volunteer Event. Over 10,000 volunteers participated in the special mission, including all the agencies, companies, NGOs, local council workers from Selangor, Johor, and other states.
On the two days, volunteers have cleared more than 70% of the places in Seberang Perai and 96% of places on the island which had been reported to the local councils after the flood. From November 5 until 12, some 9,389 tonnes of waste have been cleared from the streets.
State Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said currently the cleaning work is still ongoing. There are only about three to five locations left on the island that need to be cleaned while Seberang Perai still has about 30% out of all reported spots that need cleaning.
The state government, Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang and Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai are committed to finish this challenge as soon as possible. For MBPP, all the places have been cleaned within eight days except four places. They are:
- Jalan Zoo and Lorong Zoo
- Taman Nibong (5 Roads)
- Jalan Ulong (1 Road)
- Jalan Lintang (1 Road)
The major challenge now is moving waste from the temporary disposal sites to the landfill, monitoring the local community hygiene to avoid communicable diseases, and removing disturbances faced by the residents. 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. Chow also urge all residents in the affected areas to bear with them for a few more days. He said the state government 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. Our efforts are far from perfect, we need all Penangites to pitch in together to complete this uphill task. We sincerely thank all Malaysians and Penangites who stand united to help Penang in this time of crisis. Penang will bounce back. Bangkit Pulau Pinang!” he added. — PN
