GEORGE TOWN, Nov 3 — Residents living near Jalan P. Ramlee say the road is unsafe after recent floods exposed motorists to danger from uncovered drains.

Businessman Loh Kheng Lam, 52, who has been living there for more than 40 years, said many accidents that happened there at the height of the flash floods involved motorcyclists falling into uncovered drains by the road side.

He said motorcyclists who tend to ride on the far left of the road where the ground is significantly higher to avoid flood waters end up falling into the drain.

"During floods, you cannot estimate where the road is and where the uncovered drains are,” he told reporters in front of his house here yesterday.

He said he would normally be on standby outside his house to warn motorists not to come near the drain.

Another resident Wong Hock Seng, 52, also complained the road was yet to be cleaned by the Penang Island City Council despite the fact it had been four days since the flood receded. 

Datuk Keramat Penang Gerakan coordinator Lee Boon Ten told reporters the council should fix the problems quickly before there were more victims.

"They should also consider having a flood warning system installed here as Jalan P. Ramlee is one of the flood-prone areas,” he said.

"At least with a warning, residents can be prepared and evacuate the area early if needed.” 

Efforts to reach local government and flood mitigation committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow proved futile.