GEORGE TOWN: The massive flash floods, which brought various parts of Penang to a standstill today has prompted two leading non-governmental organisations to demand that the Penang government stop further hill and tree cutting and over-development. Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP), alarmed by the severity of the flash floods, said clearly, despite previous incidences of flooding and landslides following intense rains, the state government has clearly not learned any lessons. Idris said apart from many areas in Penang being under water, SAM and CAP also received news of landslides and mudslides in several areas such as in Tanjung Bunga and Paya Terubong. "Many countries are taking adaptation measures seriously in light of climate change impacts, but Penang and Malaysia are very far away from having proper adaptation plans to cope with more extreme rainfalls which will happen more frequently. "It is high time we learn from our mistakes, take corrective measures urgently and have proper adaptation plans in place," he stressed.

Source: New Strait Times September 15, 2017 09:00 UTC