LETTER | Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) urges the City Council of Penang (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to increase efforts in cleaning up drains in Penang to prevent the spread of diseases.

CAP’s recent survey at various locations found many clogged drains. They have not been cleaned and were also covered with grease. Waste thrown in the drains clogged them up and produced a foul smell. The dry season only made the situation worse.

Foul-smelling drains give a bad image to Penang, a prominent tourism destination, and more importantly, also pose a health hazard to residents as dirty drains attract rodents, cockroaches, and mosquitoes. The Penang Health Department recently said there had been an increase in dengue cases.

The MBPP and MBSP should act proactively and not wait for complaints to be made.

The drainage in Penang should also be improved to meet the increased population density in many areas. The increase in the number of housing projects across the state has also contributed to the floods as the drains in some areas are too small and narrow and cannot catch the flow of rainwater.

During heavy rainfall, blocked drains can lead to widespread flooding, causing water damage, travel disruptions, and unpleasant smells from the backup of sewage and wastewater.

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