By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 27: Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) will take stern action on the indiscriminate erection of unauthorised structures in commercial areas under its jurisdiction effective July 1, 2024, says its chairman, Dato Peter Minos.
Minos said that the council will give a grace period of one beginning June 1 for the owners to dismantle such structures, adding that MPKS has been tolerant of the issue over the years.
“These indiscriminate structures, which had been erected without the permission of the council, have created an eye-sore which will not reflect well on Kota Samarahan as a beautiful, clean, green, and safe municipality,” he told reporters at a press conference today.
Minos explained that under the Buildings Ordinance 1994, any person who wishes to erect any building or building structure needs to submit the necessary building plans to MPKS.
“They must obtain the prior written permission of the municipality before any construction work is commenced.
“MPKS is set to take decisive action and enforcement measures against illegal extensions and renovations on commercial areas within its jurisdiction this year,” he said.
He highlighted that MPKS wishes to remind the public that such operations will continue to be carried out in phases and eventually cover all the commercial areas in the municipality.
“Actions will be taken against the owners or occupiers who flout the law, including prosecuting them if they refuse to comply with the statutory provisions enforced by the council.
“MPKS will be holding dialogue sessions soon with the owners and occupiers of these commercial premises within their jurisdiction to advise them of the municipality’s legal provisions and policies, and importantly, to seek their full cooperation in complying with such laws and policies,” he said.
MPKS deputy chairman Muttalib Julaihi and acting secretary Gustian Durani were also present. — DayakDaily
