GEORGE TOWN, Nov 6 — Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmaker Datuk Muhammad Farid Saad proposed an emergency motion to the state legislative assembly today for the DAP-led state government to approve cash aid for residents affected by the weekend floods.

The Pulau Betong representative said the motion has the support of all 10 BN assemblymen and its urgency has also been acknowledged by Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang (PKR — Bukit Tambun).

"I propose that the state legislative assembly immediately approve a payment of special aid totalling RM2,000 to each household affected by the floods,” he said.

He also suggested that a reasonable sum be set for schools, mosques, surau and other places of worship.

"The payment of this special aid can make use of the state consolidated funds,” he said.

Muhammad Farid then requested that the emergency motion not be debated.

But Law said since the motion was not debated, it is set aside.

"The giving of aid is up to the state government to decide. This motion is heard here and it will be forwarded to the state government for consideration,” the Speaker said.

Muhammad Farid said the storm that hit Penang over the weekend was the worst in the whole of the state’s history.

The storm that started at about 2pm on Saturday and lasted till the early hours on Sunday caused widespread flooding to about 80 per cent of Penang, both the island and mainland, toppled large trees and disrupted electricity supply to several areas.

Seven people have been reported dead to date, three confirmed drowned and thousands were evacuated.