GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government should look into the plight of some 15 vegetable farmers whose livelihoods have been badly affected by the perennial floods in Kampung Pertama, Permatang Pauh.

       Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the farmers would suffer losses whenever heavy rain left their farms flooded.

       "They hope Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow could help resolve the issue once and for all.

       "The farmers had sought help from several elected representatives but to no avail," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Nov 16).

       Tan said each farmer would lose on average RM3,000 whenever his farm was flooded.

       "The amount of losses suffered by 15 farmers will be RM45,000.

       "The state government should view their problems seriously," he said.

       Tan believed the state government had already known the root of the problem - that the floodgates were not opened on time whenever there were heavy rains.

       "This caused the farms to be flooded," he said.

       Tan said the party would meet the vegetable farmers to gather all the relevant details and information pertaining to the issue.

       "We’ll seek help from the state government and other relevant departments to help the vegetable farmers. We‘ll try our best to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

       "There must be a comprehensive flood mitigation plan in place, including that installation of more water pumps at strategic locations.

       "This is vital to pump out waters, especially when there is high tide or heavy rains," he said.