MPKS chairman: Councillors, staff must go the extra mile keep Samarahan safe and clean

Minos (first row standing, sixth left) and MPKS councillors in a group photo during the corporate etiquette and communication workshop.

KUCHING, May 24: Residents of Samarahan want a safe, clean, and green environment, so Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) councillors and staff must take their jobs and responsibilities seriously.

MPKS chairman Datuk Peter Minos made this remark while opening a corporate etiquette and communication workshop for MPKS councillors conducted by Dr Florine Christie, an Asean Master Trainer councillor.

“Whether performing statutory duties such as desludging, scavenging, street cleaning, grass cutting, tree trimming, drain cleaning, and so on, or undertaking physical development projects, councillors and staff must give their all and go the extra mile to achieve the best results. Nothing short of this is acceptable,” he said.

He went on to say that MPKS, like other local councils, relies heavily on outside contractors for all of its projects.

“MPKS must constantly monitor and discipline contractors in this area.

“If not, there is always the tendency of contractors becoming ‘cuai’, or negligent. This cannot happen because the public, as ratepayers, will not accept it,” he added.

Furthermore, Minos emphasised that the public expects all councils to provide the best service possible, which is a reasonable expectation, so councils must accept and live with it.

“Now MPKS also fully supports the government’s new public projects in Samarahan with six major ones involving millions of ringgits, implementing them on behalf of the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA).”

He continued stating, “MPKS must intercede when necessary in major development projects done by other agencies, especially those that are in trouble or are sick, like the five traffic light projects along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.

“We are grateful that we were able to resolve issues amicably with the Public Works Department (JKR) and its ministry.

“We intervened because it was in the interest of the people of Samarahan and at their wishes.” — DayakDaily