By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 6: The tragic death of a two-year-old boy who fell into an open sewer manhole at Jalan Wong Soon Kai in Sibu must serve as a wake-up call for all authorities to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee urged all relevant authorities, including the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Public Works Department (JKR) Sibu Division, and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sibu, to conduct thorough surveys and inspections of their respective areas to identify and promptly replace any missing or damaged manhole covers.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred yesterday at Jalan Wong Soon Kai, where a two-year-old boy tragically fell into an open sewer manhole.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak, and as the state assemblyman for N54 Pelawan, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the bereaved family during this most difficult time,” he said in a press statement issued today.
Tiang said the heartbreaking tragedy underscores a long-standing public safety concern involving missing or unsecured manhole covers.
“Regardless of whether the infrastructure falls under the jurisdiction of local councils or federal agencies such as the JKR, it is imperative that proactive measures be taken immediately.
“I have personally communicated with SMC chairman, JKR Sibu Divisional engineer, and DID Sibu engineers to request their urgent attention and coordinated action in addressing this issue within their governing areas.
“Public safety must never be compromised,” he stressed.
At the same time, Tiang called on the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to take stern enforcement actions against those involved in the theft and illegal trade of scrap metals, which often include manhole covers.
“Such irresponsible acts endanger innocent lives and must be dealt with firmly,” he said.
Tiang emphasised that the incident is a painful reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure towns and cities are safe for all residents, especially children.
“Let this be a turning point for us to strengthen our vigilance and improve coordination among all stakeholders to prevent such tragedies from happening again,” he said. — DayakDaily
