TASEK GELUGOR, Nov 7 ― The Federal Government has approved RM150 million for flood mitigation projects in Penang following last weekend’s devastating floods.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the amount was part of RM1 billion worth of 13 projects identified in the DAP-governed state.

“We are ready to increase the amount depending on our financial capability,” he told reporters after visiting a temporary flood relief centre set up at Sekolah Agama Rakyat Ar Ridhuan here today.

Najib also reminded the state government to be mindful of the impact of the environment when approving development projects.

“Avoid developments that can aggravate the environment,” he said.

Najib, who is also finance minister, is on a half-day tour of Penang to assess the flood situation following unexpectedly heavy continuous rainfall that left about 80 per cent of the island state submerged in water.

Accompanying him is his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and federal ministers Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Datuk Seri Mahadzir Khalid, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.

Najib said a meeting between Putrajaya and Penang to discuss details of the flood mitigation projects would be held soon.

“The projects will begin in stages and it will be completed in a couple of years,” he said.

“We will top up the allocations judging from the seriousness of the situation but the actual amount is subjected to further discussions,” he added.

Najib also announced the setting up of the Government-linked Companies Disaster Response Network (GDRN).

“GLC like Khazanah, Mas, Pharmaniaga, UEM and Axiata will contribute to the fund which will then be disbursed to the victims,” he said.

Najib also said development projects needed to abide by regulations to avoid developments that can affect the environment.

“The state government also has to take into account development projects including housing at hill slopes to prevent such disasters in the future,” he added.

Developers, he said, should not make the situation worse.

“Do not place importance on profit only but also see if a development will affect the environment,” he added.

On complaints that warnings of floods were not forthcoming, Najib said the rain over the weekend was beyond initial estimations.

“One-and-a-half months rainfall in one day. Coupled with strong winds and water coming from Kedah... three unexpected elements happened at the same time,” he said.