KUCHING, Dec 7: Michael Kong, a special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, urges Kuching South City Council (MBKS) to monitor and maintain the surroundings of residential areas, including back lanes, as some are filthy and overgrown with plants, endangering public health and safety.
Kong in a press statement emphasised that while efforts are being made to improve public infrastructure within MBKS, such as the addition of bicycle lanes, the local government should not neglect the maintenance of the existing basic infrastructures.
“I met Mdm Elice, who lives on Lorong B5, Taman BDC. She stays alone in her house and does not rear any pets.
“Recently, she noticed that there were many stray cats loitering in the vicinity. On a few occasions, these cats were sighted within her house compound as well.
“While this may seem to be a normal event to many, it turned out to be the start of a series of unfortunate events for Mdm Elice. Lately, Mdm Elice’s legs had terrible rashes, and after checking with the doctors, it was said that they were from flea bites,” he explained.
Kong revealed the woman had to call pest control to help disinfect her house compound as well as the common back lane.
“All these medical treatments and pest control had set her back more than RM1,000. Despite all this, there is still the fear that this may reoccur if the problem is not resolved.
“From my personal visit, I can see that the common back lane is in a dirty state and filled with overgrown plants. A chat with the residents reveals that the local council did not visit this site during their monthly cleaning.
“I have lodged a complaint with the relevant authorities on this matter. At the same time, I strongly urge the local council to also pay attention to surrounding areas, including back lanes, and ensure that public health and safety are prioritised,” Kong asserted. — DayakDaily
