By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 30: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has responded to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen’s criticism regarding delays in addressing structural issues with shophouses at Lorong Datuk Tawi Sli.
In a press statement issued today, MPP chairman Tan Kai said upon the issue being brought up in November 2022, the council acted immediately by issuing notices to shophouse owners to instruct them to appoint their own professional consultant for a structural integrity assessment report.
In addition, Tan Kai said MPP also assisted the shophouse owners in appointing the consultant and in July 2023, the council conducted a joint inspection with the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR).
“Following a meeting and a visual inspection report on the structure prepared by Sarawak JKR, MPP communicated with the professional engineer appointed by shophouse owners to expedite the preparation of the structural integrity assessment report.
“Although shophouse owners should be responsible for the well-being of their privately owned buildings, MPP has made efforts to advise and facilitate the shophouse owners to address the issue as soon as possible,” he said.
He added that MPP also acknowledged the receipt of the structural integrity assessment report in February 2024 and that additional information was furnished on March 27, 2024.
“The council is in the process of obtaining further inputs from the Chief Inspector of Building from Sarawak JKR, which is also a technical agency.
“According to the Sarawak Building Ordinance (SBO), 1994, the Chief Inspector of Building is appointed under Section 27A to advise the Government on the safety of buildings and to assist local authorities in exercising their powers under SBO.
“MPP will follow up on the matter and undertake necessary steps to address any remaining concerns,” he said.
On April 29, Chong, who is also Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman, chided MPP for its delay in addressing the structural issues of shophouses at Lorong Datuk Tawi Sli.
In response to Chong, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang said that the shophouses are privately owned and that Chong should assist and advise the owners instead of pointing fingers. — DayakDaily
