SIBU, Aug 27: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) contracts are open to all capable contractors and not to certain contractors only.
Its chairman Clarence Ting, in speaking at a press conference after its monthly meeting today, refuted allegations that the council is only awarding contracts to “a small group of people.”
“There is talk going on that the council only gives contracts to a small group of people. This is not true as our contracts are open to all capable contractors,”he said.
Among the contracts are grass cutting, drain clearing, garbage and road maintenance.
Ting said as the council would next month be calling for tenders for contract works, those interested could enquire from the council.
On dog catching following the outbreak of rabies which had seen two deaths so far this year, he said the result has not been satisfactory.
The first rabies case this year was a five-year-old girl who died in Sibu on March 26. On June 23, a 62-year-old man died at Sibu Hospital from rabies. He was bitten on his right calf by a dog belonging to his brother on May 12 in Kampung Sentosa.
“Dog catching work continues but the number of dogs caught is not encouraging as only 85 dogs have been caught. There are still many dogs running around in the town,” he said.
Ting hoped animal owners would heed the advice of the council by keeping their dogs indoor.
“I hope the residents will take SMC’s advice as the rabies situation is still at a very dangerous level and the disease can be passed from one dog to another,” he added.
On Taman Muhibbah Food Court, he said the traders would relocate to a temporary site in Jalan Tapang on September 1.
This is to allow for the reconstruction of the food court that involves a cost of RM3.1 million.
“We had originally planned the project to start in April this year and completed before 2021 Chinese New Year celebration. But because of Movement Control Order (MCO), the project was put aside,” he said.
He expected the new Taman Muhibbah be ready by middle of next year.
“The project is to improve the general surrounding of the food court for a more conducive atmosphere,” he explained.-DayakDaily
