By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 20: The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has suffered losses worth up to RM332,000 due to vandalism in areas under its jurisdiction from 2020 to May this year.
Utilities and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said vandalism has become more acute and alarming in Kuching North.
He said there were incidents where public property and facilities such as water fountains, manhole covers, road signs, bridge and riverbank railings, bus stop roofs and seats, lights, benches and trees in public parks, trash cans, flowers and decorations were vandalised, destroyed, burnt, or stolen.
To tackle vandalism in general, and specifically the recent incident where the Hornbill Fountain at Kuching Waterfront was made bubbly with detergent powder, he said a meeting between DBKU, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Dayacop Security was held to discuss measures.
Abdul Rahman also urged the public to immediately report any vandalism to DBKU or the police to help curb the destructive behaviour.
“DBKU calls on the public to work together to eradicate such irresponsible conduct. DBKU also seeks the good services of city dwellers to be the ‘eyes and ears’ in addressing this issue in their respective neighbourhood,” he said during a press conference at the sideline of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Among those also present were Kuching District Police Chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah and DBKU director Mohamed Khaidir Abang. — DayakDaily
