KUCHING, April 9: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak Chong Chieng Jen has questioned the reason behind the delay in fixing Kuching Port Authority’s Senari Port’s computer system, which he alleged has been malfunctioning for two weeks now.
He said the computer system malfunction has cut the efficiency of container retrievals by more than 50 per cent.
“Kuching Port Authority’s Senari Port’s computer system has been out for about two weeks and the port’s container receiving and delivery system has been processed manually for the same period of time.
“The rate of retrievals of containers from the port is now down by more than 50 per cent,” said Chong, who is also Stampin MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, in a statement today.
He said in this era of technology where Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is talking about 5G and even 7G internet coverage for Sarawak, “it is most unbelievable and unacceptable that the computer system for such an important service of a government agency can break down for such a long time and without any indication when the system will be restored for operation”.
Chong claimed that the breakdown of the computer system is not only affecting those in the haulage service, delays in the shipments of cargo, but also causing huge losses to the business sector in general.
“This is very embarrassing for Sarawak in the international shipping field. The State Government should take this matter seriously by implementing immediate and prompt solution to the matter.
“Furthermore, the government must give a full report on the cause of this problem,” said Chong.
He added that cargo delivery facilities at the port have always been plagued with problems and breakdowns over the years.
This, he said, is despite the fact that the government has privatised such services, which are currently run by a private company.
“Before the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government talks about Sarawak becoming a developed State, there must be an ‘overhaul’ in such basic facilities affecting the daily lives of the people and economy of the State.
“I call upon Abang Johari to be more realistic and down to earth on the management of the State affairs and not build castles in the air,” said Chong. — DayakDaily
