Penang: IJM Land has reacted proactively by pooling resources and mobilizing employee volunteers to assist with the arduous clean-up work in affected areas as the company sent 12 machineries and lorries including backhoes, mobile crane and trucks to remove fallen trees, and to ferry debris and waste while its employees helped residents with the general clean-up efforts.

IJM Land senior general manager, property development (Northern Region) Datuk Toh Chin Leong, said there was no damage or direct impact on the company's employees and projects such as Trehaus and Terraces which is located at Bukit Jambul, The Light City and Waterside Residence at The Light Waterfront Penang, 3 Residence in Bandar Sri Pinang, Sanctuary Residence in Permatang Tinggi as well as our operations in Penang.

However, he said the damage was severe in Jalan P. Ramlee, Taman Free School, Jalan Terengganu, Solok Sungai Pinang, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Jalan Shaik Madar, Lebuh Macallum, Ayer Itam, Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung and Seberang Perai Utara, to the extent that roads are blocked by uprooted trees and other debris, and property was ravaged by flood water and fallen trees.

As flood waters receded, a massive clean-up effort is crucially needed to clear mud, debris and rubbish. The team led by Toh has responded since Monday.

“We have been working closely with Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) to respond effectively to disaster relief efforts. Our priority is to provide on-the-ground help and our teams are assisting in every way possible with the ongoing clean-up phase,” Dato’ Toh added. “We have approximately 80 employees in multiple teams working at Taman Free School flats area, Han Chiang High School, Han Chiang’s Chinese Heritage Centre, Jalan Lim Lean Teng and Fo Yi- NKF Dialysis Center on clean-up activities so we can bring back a sense of normal living for residents soon.”

Managing director and chief executive officer, Datuk Soam Heng Choon said the company is aware of the hardship that the people of Penang have endured as flood waters entered homes and damaged personal possessions and are looking carefully at long-term, practical ways in which IJM can help following the disaster.

"Meanwhile, I am very proud of how our teams across IJM’s Property, Construction and Industry business divisions have been tirelessly working together to assist in disaster response efforts,” he said.