KUCHING, March 12: A hefty fine should be imposed on contractors who carry out illegal construction of structures or extensions encroaching on state-owned or council lands.
Sarawak United People’s Party Public Complaints Bureau (SUPP PCB) chief Wilfred Yap opined that Sarawak government ought to consider the tightening of existing legislation to serve as a deterrent to such illegal activities.
He said this after handling a case involving a coffee shop operator constructing a cement extension onto three public car parks to create a bigger space for extra tables and chairs.
This case was brought to his attention when an unhappy group of business community at Batu Tujuh, Kota Sentosa lodged a complaint to SUPP PCB.
“The complaint arose because this had the effect of depriving customers frequenting the shops there of the usage of three carparks when the number of carparks is already not enough during peak hours.
“Upon receiving the complaint, Yap who is also Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) councillor, immediately requested for the enforcement team from MPP to visit the site of the problem together with him to better assess the situation,” said SUPP PCB in a statement today.
Following the investigation on the ground, the MPP enforcement team issued a notice to the coffeeshop owner giving him a timeline of 14 days to demolish the cement extension.
On a note of advice, Yap expressed his hopes for a more considerate community where people stop to think of the impacts on others before performing any action.
“Being responsible and considerate is the key to making sure our actions will not cause a nuisance or problem to others. The key is not to do things that you do not expect others to do.
“This will go a long way towards reducing unhappiness and potential disputes and also allow the enforcement staff of MPP to concentrate on more serious breaches of by-laws and regulations,” he said.
For those who require similar assistance are welcome to call SUPP PCB’s contact number at 016-7797688 or 082-246999, or visit the SUPP Head Office for further inquiries. — DayakDaily
