SIBU, Feb 24: Dudong assemblyman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing is demanding an explanation from the authorities regarding complaints of the foul smell emanating from dead pigs at Mile 17, Jalan Oya despite the animal carcasses being handled and buried.
He said the recent burying of culled pigs infected with the African Swine Fever (ASF) by the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) should have gone well with no aftereffects because they are the experts.
“But how can this foul odour pollution issue happen? Did the staff involved in the process of burying the pig carcasses not do their job properly? Or is the act of eliminating about 1,500 pigs as a result of the ASF outbreak just to obscure the eyes?
“Now, the residents are the ones who have to pay for the consequences when they have to live with the foul smell,” he said in a social media post yesterday (Feb 23).
Tiong also called out the Ministry of Agriculture Modernisation and Regional Development, Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), and the Malaysian Volunteer Department (RELA) as being responsible to find a solution for this nuisance.
Meanwhile, he apologised to the affected residents for he is not able to go down to the ground to inspect the matter himself due to his Covid-19 infection and quarantine.
He however assured that he has instructed Democratic Progressive Party (PDP) Dudong Division chairman Cr Teo Boon Siew to visit the site and contact DVSS for further action.
“He (Teo) will take follow-up actions and report back to me. I hope we can find the best solution to this issue.
“Following the incident at the farm in Jalan Oya, I urge the parties involved to visit other areas affected by the ASF outbreak to ensure that the work of removing pig carcasses is carried out properly, according to the guidelines.
“This is to ensure the epidemic is not contagious and does not affect the lives of the public,” said Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP. — DayakDaily
