KUCHING, June 30: Bintulu MP Dato Seri Tiong King Sing says plans are in the works to provide a piece of land to the hawkers of Kampung Usahajaya Baru after they requested a safer permanent location to operate, as the current location at the roadside is dangerous for both buyers and hawkers.
According to a Facebook post by Tiong today, he has discussed the issue with the Land and Survey Department, the Public Health, Environment & Municipal Services Committee, the General Purposes & Community Services Committee of the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), as well as with architects and other related parties.
“We have also gone to the village and identified a suitable location for them to conduct business, and we intend to provide them with a plot of land so they can continue to operate and earn a living,” he explained.
He went on to say that the hawkers initially set up stalls at the entrance of the village to sell beverages and snacks.
Tiong added, however, that the busy traffic flow and large number of students gathered around the hawker area near the school to the road after school hours can invite security threats.
“It was not the right decision to let these hawkers to continue operating here, so officials from the relevant departments and I went to the village to inspect and locate vacant land where they could be relocated.
“I hope they can wait until the involved parties have carried out the basic procedures before they are permitted to move and continue operations,” the Bintulu MP said.
Tiong, who is also Dudong assemblyman, stated that he visited Kampung Usahajaya Baru to assess the situation after meeting with the Kampung Usahajaya Baru Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and the Rukun Tetangga Committee (KRT).
“Kampung Usahajaya Baru is an area consisting of voters from Dudong, Bukit Assek, and Nangka.
“I am always concerned about the issues of the locals and ready to assist those in need,” he pointed out.
In addition, Tiong disclosed that the residents of Kampung Usahajaya Baru also made a complaint to him that the drainage system in their area must be improved immediately because the current system is insufficient to accommodate the sudden increase in water volume during the rainy season, resulting in severe flash floods.
“I also believe it should be upgraded right away,” he remarked.
Tiong mentioned that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, accompanied by the director of the Sarawak Irrigation Department (JPS), will arrive in Sibu on July 1 to attend a briefing on the Sibu Town Drainage System Master Plan, noting that an effective water control plan will be introduced during the briefing.
“I believe that the policy of deepening the Rajang and Igan Rivers, which I have advocated for, can be implemented as soon as possible to ensure that the water flow in these rivers runs smoothly and can accommodate the sudden increase in water if the Bakun Dam’s water is released.
“If it is not implemented, Sibu will undoubtedly suffer the same fate every rainy season,” he asserted. — DayakDaily
