By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 17: Poor road conditions, inadequate parking spaces, unreliable water and electricity supply, lack of street lighting, and maintenance issues such as clogged drains and untrimmed trees were among the topics brought up by residents of Kerto in Sibu during a dialogue session organised by the Kerto Sibu Security and Village Development Committee (JKKK) recently.
In attendance was Dudong assemblyman Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, who said that the session aimed to talk to locals on the issues and concerns affecting their daily lives, discuss possible solutions, and coordinate with the relevant authorities to ensure these matters are appropriately addressed.
Addressing the issue of poor road conditions and inadequate parking spaces, he said he would arrange for staff from the Dudong Service Centre, Kerto Sibu JKKK, and the Public Works Department (JKR) to conduct site inspections as soon as possible to explore suitable upgrading solutions.
On unreliable water and electricity supply, Tiong said that his service centre would compile a list of the affected households to be submitted to Sarawak Energy, the Sibu Water Board, and the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB).
“If possible, site visits will also be arranged to ensure that residents can enjoy proper access to water and electricity without further delay,” said Tiong, who is also the MP for Bintulu and federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
As for the lack of street lighting, he had suggested that residents hold a meeting to decide on the number and type of streetlights required, while his service centre staff will arrange site inspections and liaise with the relevant agencies to address clogged drains and untrimmed trees.
“I wish to emphasise that although I have less time to move around the constituency due to my duties at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the people can always contact the service centre or local community leaders (for any concerns or assistance needed. We will provide support and assistance within our capacity,” he said in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, Tiong also urged the public not to believe rumours that the government or local representatives are neglecting rural development.
“I am fully aware that tourism is one of the fastest and most effective ways to boost local economic growth. Therefore, I will work with the Sarawak government to explore ways to develop villages and longhouses in rural areas into tourism products or attractions.
“These will then be promoted through Tourism Malaysia’s overseas offices, creating more income opportunities for rural residents and injecting new vitality into the local economy,” he said. — DayakDaily
