By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 16: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has warned that illegal extensions built outside approved shoplot boundaries such as on pedestrian walkways and road reserves cannot be tolerated as they endanger public safety, particularly pedestrians.
Wee stressed that MBKS is not against businesses operating legally but reminded property owners and operators that the Building Ordinance 1994 clearly prohibits such extensions.
“We are not stopping anyone from doing business inside their premises. But once you extend illegally and block walkways, people are forced to walk on the road. If an accident happens, the public will blame the Council for allowing it,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk live session today.
Wee said MBKS had received numerous complaints from citizens regarding unsafe extensions and explained that some structures even posed risks of collapse.
“If a canopy or extension falls and injures someone, who takes the blame? Again, it will be the Council. We cannot allow that,” he stressed.
He pointed out that the Building Ordinance 1994 is not a new law and everyone must understand that extensions must be legal and must not affect pedestrian walkways or public safety.
He added that MBKS has never ordered traders to close their businesses but only to dismantle illegal extensions.
“Your business continues inside the shop. But outside, on road reserves and five-foot ways, that space is for public use, not for private profit,” he said.
Wee urged property owners to consult the Council before making renovations, noting that many had wasted money building illegal structures that later had to be torn down.
“Please do not build your happiness on someone else’s suffering. Every right has a boundary. Respect that boundary so we can all live in a safe and happy city,” he appealed.
The Mayor acknowledged the difficulty of enforcement but said MBKS cannot compromise when public safety is at stake.
“As Mayor, I also buy from these traders. I support them. But when safety is at risk, I must act. Do we want Kuching to be a city without law and order, or one where everyone can walk safely on the street? That is the real question,” he said.
Addressing criticisms, Wee called on the public to be rational and understanding, reminding citizens not to let personal gain compromise the safety of others.
He affirmed that MBKS will continued to monitor the illegal extension and hawking activities for the safety of all. — DayakDaily
