‘Instant mode fine, but not at the expense of traditions’

Wadel presents a souvenir to Dr Jerip (third left) as a token of appreciation. Lo Khere Chiang is on Dr Jerip’s right and Michael on Wadel’s left.

KUCHING: All communities ought to observe their respective festivals seriously and ensure that the celebrations are filled with traditional grandeur.

Assistant Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, who made the call on Friday, said this was important because modernisation had torn some festivals, cultures and traditions asunder in various aspects.

If the decline was not halted, he cautioned, the many unique practices of the various races in the state would be forgotten one day, and this goes for the special identity of the people as well.

“We must make every effort to celebrate every traditional festival that is unique in our state and country as it reflects our true identity, or else we will be struggling with ourselves in the future,” he said at Padawan Municipal Council (MPP)’s Gawai Open House 2014 here.

“What I fear the most is that our young people will forget these cultures and traditions as they are easily influenced by universal and commercial festivals.”

A traditional wrist band (grundung) is tied onto Dr Jerip’s hand when he arrived to grace MPP’s Gawai Dayak Open House 2014.

Taking Gawai Dayak as an example, Bengoh assemblyman Dr Jerip recalled it was celebrated very traditionally in the 60s and 70s, where all sorts of cultures and traditions were observed.

“We really followed what our forefathers did, including activities relating to food and drink. But these days, all these are gone, as we prefer to prepare all things on `instant mode’.”

Dr Jerip reiterated that it was very important to preserve cultures and traditions as it would enable the race concerned to be proud as they possessed something unique.

“If we have a strong identity, I believe we will not be afraid to cross path with anybody in the world.”
On MPP’s initiative, he hoped it would become the councils’ annual ritual to not only foster relationship among the people but as a way to preserve the treasured values, practices and cultures of the Dayaks.

In his speech, organising chairman councillor Wadel Boyod thanked Dr Jerip for contributing RM5,000 to organise the gathering.

MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang and the council’s secretary Michael Sawing were also present.

June 29, 2014, Sunday 

reporters@theborneopost.com

MPP gives assurance of working together with the community

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) assured that they will work together with the community not only in infrastructure development but also in social development to build better communities for everyone to live in.

Its chairman Lo Khere Chiang pointed out on Friday that the council recognised the need to actively engage the people in order to encourage community development.

“It is high time that local councils look beyond their day-to-day tasks and focus on drawing up plans to meet the needs of the future,” he said at the launching of Padawan Fair 2014 at Batu Kawah new township here.

Many programmes have been organised to promote community development such as the Padawan Fest, Lo said, which served as a bridge to get closer to the people and know them better.

He thanked the Local Government and Community Development Ministry under Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh for the RM200,000 grant this year for the purpose of community development.

“With this funding, the council will be able to organise projects that benefit the community,” he said.

Amongst some of the projects in the pipeline, Lo pointed out, were dialogue sessions, public health and cleanliness campaign, green municipality projects, waste segregation and recycling projects, and community-based ecotourism projects.

He hopes that Wong will continue to ensure that the grant for community development will be given to the council in many more years to come.

Today, with the rapid pace of development and progress, Lo said the council has to be more efficient in addressing and attending to the people’s requests and complaints on municipal services.

Admitting that there are and will be hitches or occasional breakdowns in service delivery, Lo encouraged people to send feedback and notify the councils if they encounter any problem.

“The council shall act promptly on such complaints. The feedback and assistance from the public enable the council to take action and improve on the shortfalls of the municipal services,” he said.

“Each area in Padawan is headed by a resident councillor and assisted by an area officer, to deal with all the complaints and requests from the residents,” he added.

“Together with the residents and local communities, the council shall aspire to perform better and improve our services,” he further said.

The public can always call up the council at 082-615566 or via tali khidmat at 082-555999 or via the website at www.talikhidmat.sarawak.gov.my or www.mpp.sarawak.gov.my.

June 22, 2014, Sunday
Borneo Post

羅克強：巴達旺轄區人民有問題，可踴躍向議會反映

Sin Chew

羅克強：巴達旺轄區人民有問題，可踴躍向議會反映
2014-06-21 15:26
     

（砂拉越•古晉）巴達旺市議會主席羅克強表示，民眾對管轄區內有任何投訴，皆可向議會反映，議會將竭盡所能做出改善。

他瞭解到人力資源及撥給議會的撥款在今年沒有太多增加，盡管如此，地方議會非常關注地區上的環境、睦鄰、清潔事項。

“巴達旺市議會關注轄區基礎發展及保養，不斷提升人民生活環境素質 。因此，希望轄區人民與市議會合作，共同打造更美好明天。”

羅克強是昨晚在石角新市鎮舉行的2014年巴達旺節開幕儀式上致詞時，如是指出。

他說，民眾有任何問題，可撥打議會熱線082-615566與555999，或通過上網www.talikhidmat. sarawak gov.my或www.mpp.Sarawak. gov.my。（星洲日報／砂拉越）


點看全文: http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/301487#ixzz48sV9sVSB 

Pesta Padawan 2014 akan tampil kelainan berbanding sebelum ini

Halaman Utama (/) » Sarawak (http://www.utusanborneo.com.my/sarawak) » Pesta Padawan 2014 akan tampil kelainan berbanding sebelum ini

% 2014-06-20
KUCHING: Pesta Padawan 2014 yang akan bermula 20 Jun hingga 19 Julai ini akan menampil kelainan berbanding pesta diadakan pada tahun-tahun sebelumnya. 
 
Pengerusi Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) Lo Khere Chiang berkata kali ini Pameran Landskap Mini akan diadakan selain memfokus kepada sajian etnik tempatan seperti ‘ayam pansoh’, daun ubi kayu dan nasi dimasak di dalam buluh. 

“Tahun ini adalah kali ke-18 Pesta Padawan diadakan. 

“Kami (MPP) akan membawa kelainan, antaranya memperuntukkan satu kawasan kecil untuk pameran landskap. 

“Selain itu, kami akan memberi penekanan kepada makanan etnik tempatan daripada kaum Bidayuh, Iban, India, Cina dan Melayu,” katanya pada sidang media di sini kelmarin. 

Lo memberitahu, kira-kira 100 gerai akan mengambil bahagian pada Pesta Padawan tahun ini, 30 daripadanya dikhaskan untuk menjual makanan, permainan dan pameran perdagangan. 


Pada masa sama Lo yakin Pesta Padawan mampu menjadi antara produk pelancongan yang baik di negeri ini walaupun ia tidak setanding Pesta Kuching. 

“Penduduk bandar boleh membawa rakan-rakan dan pelancong mencuba makanan masyarakat tempatan. 

“Walaupun tidak hebat tetapi kami percaya Pesta Padawan akan memberi pengalaman istimewa kepada pengunjung,” katanya. 

Sehubungan itu, beliau berharap orang ramai akan memberi sokongan kepada Pesta Padawan tahun ini dan kali ini penganjur menjangka purata pengunjung sehari ialah 2,000 hingga 3,000 sambil menambah kira- kira 90,000 orang mengunjungi pesta itu. 

Sementara itu, Timbalan Pengerusi MPP Dr Zaiedi Suhaili berkata Pesta Padawan cara yang baik untuk mempromosikan perpaduan pelbagai kaum di negeri ini. 

“Orang Islam juga boleh berbuka puasa semasa bulan Ramadan di Pesta Padawan kerana terdapat gerai yang menjual makanan halal,” katanya. 

Pesta Padawan 2014 dijadual dirasmikan Menteri Kerajaan Tempatan dan Pembangunan Masyarakat Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh hari ini (20 Jun 2014).

‘Padawan Fair to be ‘different’ this year’

Lo (second left) inspecting final preparations for the Padawan Fair 2014. Zaiedi is on his left.

KUCHING: The month-long Padawan Fair 2014, which starts tomorrow at MJC New Township, promises to be different from previous editions.

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang said MPP had decided to spruce up the fair with a mini landscape exhibition and by giving more focus on ethnic cuisines such as ‘pansoh chicken’, tapioca leaves and bamboo rice.

“(Among others) we will give due emphasis to cuisines from the Bidayuh, Iban, Indian, Chinese and Malay communities,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

Lo said there would be about 100 stalls in the 18th edition of the fair, which is scheduled to be launched by Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh tomorrow.

About 30 of the stalls would be selling food and the rest for games and trade.

“Padawan Fair can be a good tourism product. City folk can bring their friends and tourists to try the local food.

“Although it may not be as grand as Kuching Festival, we think this fair will give a special experience to patrons.”

Lo said the organiser expected to record between 2,000 and 3,000 patrons per day during the whole duration of the fair, which will end on July 19.

“Last year, about 90,000 people patronised the fair.”

Meanwhile, MPP deputy chairman Dr Zaiedi Suhaili said the fair was a good way to help promote racial unity as it caters to all the races.

“Muslims can also break their fast during the month of Ramadan at Padawan Fair as there will be stalls selling halal food.”

He added that MPP would ensure smooth traffic flow and adequate parking space for patrons to the fair.

June 19, 2014, Thursday

reporters@theborneopost.com

Padawan Fair promises to pull in the crowds

KUCHING: The Padawan Fair this year will begin this Friday (20 June) at the Batu Kawah New Township here.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony at 7.30pm.

This was disclosed by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman Lo Khere Chiang at a press conference held at the site in the new township yesterday morning.

Lo informed that this year’s Padawan Fair will be held from 20 June to 19 July.

The fair is an annual event of MPP and the new features this year are a garden landscaping exhibition and a special section to promote the various communities’ unique food delicacies.

“There are more than 100 stalls at this year’s fair and some 30 of them will focus on the various food delicacies of the Dayak, Chinese, Malay, Indian and others,” he said, adding that it is smaller compared to the Kuching Festival but will be more creative in its design.

Meanwhile, organising chairman Richard Kian Hua Mudeh revealed that the fair located at the town square could accommodate between 300 to 400 stalls selling various products.

“This year, we charge only RM250 per stall for the whole month in order to encourage more participation from the traders and various organisations.

“Other activities at the month-long fair include various entertainment programmes, cultural presentations, and performances by local and West Malaysian artistes.

“TV screens will also be installed at the site to provide added entertainment,” he said, adding that the fair will also include Ramadan stalls this year.

According to Richard, last year’s Padawan Fair recorded about 2,000 to 3,000 visitors per night.

MPP Deputy Chairman Dr. Zaiedi Suhaili, who was also present at the press conference, called on both city folks and tourists to visit the fair, pointing that this is one way Sarawakians can showcase their unity and harmony to the world.

Also present were assistant organising chairman Lee Sin Fah, other councillors, and representatives from Embun Kiara Sdn Bhd which is the event manager.

Sarawak Tribune

Date Posted : Thursday 19-Jun-2014

Lo: MPP will continue to enhance efficiency

  Lo (6th left) posing with the MPP ex-councillors after presenting souvenirs to them.

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) will continue to enhance its efficiency although its resources are limited, assured its chairman Lo Khere Chiang.

Speaking at the council’s appreciation dinner for former councillors and also press night 2014 at The Sarawak Club here on Monday, Lo said one example of such endeavour by MPP was in its privatisation strategy.

The council, he pointed out has a very good team of councillors and MPP had performed well so far for which every staff member should be proud of.

The council, he added had succeeded in bridging the gap with the people. Lo also commended the council secretary Michael Saweng on the Resident Councillorship System resulting in the councillors now being very active on the ground.

“I know there are still a lot to be done in areas like drainage, roads, and other facilities in MPP areas. So we must highlight all these to the authorities for more funds to carry out the necessary projects,” Lo urged the councillors and at the same time thanked the state government for assistance.

MPP, he pointed out had responded well to the people’s requests.

Lo also thanked the former councillors for serving well for the betterment and development of MPP.

The eight ex-councillors were the late Haji Hashim Yap, Chen Chieng Ning, Joseph Sibang ak Riyang, Ponen ak Sanub, Anthony Ramanair, Antony Abang, Olivia Chan and Liu Thian Leong.   

Other activities of the night included presentations of souvenir to the ex-councillors and karaoke session.

 

Sarawak Tribune

Date Posted : Wednesday 18-Jun-2014

Funds used for the betterment of the council and people — MPP chief Lo Khere Chiang

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has and will always fully utilise its limited funds and resources for the betterment of the council and the residents in its jurisdiction.

In saying this yesterday, its chairman Lo Khere Chiang clarified that certain projects were implemented as part of its social development programme to help residents improve their livelihood by providing them a decent environment to trade.

He made this clarification in light of the Auditor-General’s (AG’s) Report published in The Borneo Post on Tuesday.

In the report, the AG advised MPP to identify the needs and conditions of areas, and the impact the designs and structures would have on the residents before implementing projects to ensure that their objectives are achieved.

“The brief report has not gone into details so I am not very sure what are the issues about,” said Lo, who felt lost on what the report was trying to indicate.

However, he presumed it was referring to the mini market facilities at Kampung Bumbok located at the junction of Stephen Yong-Batu Kitang Road and Kampung Haji Baki at Batu Kitang here.

“I must admit that trading activities at the two markets are not that lively and thus the facilities appear to be not fully utilised,” he explained.

“I must clarify that the intention of these two projects is to help the residents in the respective areas to improve their livelihood by providing them with a decent environment to trade,” he added.

Prior to the projects, Lo said the local residents used to trade at a very rundown stretch of stalls along the roadside.

“The now roofed-shed at both sites are an improved facility which was constructed some time last year using state funds of RM100,000,” he said.

 “That was Phase 1 of the project. Phase 2, which costs another RM100,000 for the two sites, is now in the process of tender document preparation,” he added.

The improvements under Phase 2, he said, are expected to be completed this year, which will include electricity and water supply, public toilets, roof awnings, roads and car parks.

He revealed that the completed facilities had been handed to the respective Village Development and Security committees (JKKKs) for them to manage and collect rental.

“The council is not making money from these facilities or else we would have rented them out. Then, the local residents will not benefit from them,” he said.
“Moreover, the JKKKs have been informed about the management of the facility even before the project started,” he added.

Lo cited Annah Rais Hot Spring located about 60km from Kuching City and the hawker centre at Kampung Tijirak, Kuching-Serian Road as good examples of social projects implemented by the council to help JKKKs generate income for their villages.

“The JKKK for the hot spring has been able to collect about RM100,000 entrance fee yearly while the rental collected from the hawker centre at Kampung Tijirak has been used to fund the education of children in the village,” he said.

Lo stressed that the intention of the social projects was to support and help residents and villagers to be independent instead of relying on the government.

“We are however thankful for the AG’s report in highlighting the issues but hope it can be reported in a more precise manner. The council is open to any critical suggestions,” he said.

With the report, Lo assured that the council will do even better and be more efficient in service delivery as “all is done in the interest of PMC”.

June 18, 2014, Wednesday

Borneo post

MPP has strategic plan for next five years, says Lo

KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has a strategic plan in place that will see them through the next five years.

Its chairman Lo Khere Chiang said that it will certainly improve community development and infrastructure, and benefit the community under MPP.

“We will continue to seek funding to repair and improve the drainage system in MPP area,” he said.

“We received some money, but my dream of getting the drainage done will have to remain a dream for now.”
As councillors, he said it is their duty to bring up any issues to the standing committee or full council meeting so they can be minuted and brought to the higher authority, adding in the best interest of the council they also welcome feedback and criticism.

Lo also pointed out to his department heads and both current and former councillors that the Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem recently praised MPP as a council worth emulating.

“We have all done well and should be proud,” he said.

Lo was speaking at a farewell dinner for outgoing councillors, which also doubled as a media appreciation night.

“All the ex-councillors contributed to the betterment and development of MPP,” he said, adding that while they all had argued or debated their points, it was all for the best interest of the council. The collective decision of the councillors is of paramount importance. One person can make a mistake. When 32 councillors make a decision, it has to be the correct one.”

MPP bid a formal farewell to eight councillors, six of whom were present at the dinner. They are Chen Chieng Ning, Joseph Sibang Riyang, Ponen Sanub, Anthony Ramanair, Olivia Chan and Liu Thian Leong.

Two others who were also recognised for their contribution were Anthony Abang and the late Hashim Yap, who was represented by his son, Helmi Hahsim Yap.

June 18, 2014, Wednesday

reporters@theborneopost.com

Penjaja haram beri cabaran kepada MPP

Halaman Utama (/) » Sarawak (http://www.utusanborneo.com.my/sarawak) » Penjaja haram beri cabaran kepada MPP

2014-06-17 Oleh Henrietta Liza //
Ia berikutan kegiatan mereka di kaki lima, parkir, letak bidai pintu secara haram 

KUCHING: Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) sedang menghadapi krisis paling sukar berikutan kegiatan penjaja haram yang berjaja di kaki lima, kawasan parkir dan meletakkan bidai pintu kedai secara haram di sekitar Kota Sentosa. 

Pengerusi MPP Lo Khere Chiang menyifatkan ia ibarat jangkitan yang sukar dirawati, menunggu saat bertukar menjadi kanser dan tidak dapat diubati lagi selepas menghadapinya lebih daripada 30 tahun lepas. 

“Aduan dibuat bukan setiap hari tetapi pihak MPP menerima aduan sepanjang tahun daripada rakyat, kami telah mengadakan sesi dialog sejak awal Jun kepada para pekedai dan mereka yang terlibat. 

“MPP turut menyeru pekedai dan penjaja ini untuk bertolak-ansur dan memberi kerjasama serta berfikiran positif dalam membantu pihak majlis menyelaraskan pembangunan bandar dengan lebih teratur dan sistematik,” katanya pada sidang media di pejabatnya di sini semalam.
Tambah Lo, ia merupakan kali pertama pihaknya mengeluarkan 125 notis kepada mereka yang terlibat dan dijangka pelaksanaan operasi berkenaan melibatkan pegawai penguat kuasa MPP dengan kerjasama polis, SEB, JKR, bomba serta Jabatan Tanah dan Survei. 

Mana-mana pohak yang cuba mengganggu, menghalau atau menghentikan operasi akan disabitkan dengan tindakan undang-undang pihak majlis yang membolehkan pesalah dipenjarakan jika didapati bersalah. 

Menurut Lo, walaupun telah berkali-kali mengadakan sesi dialog dengan mereka yang terjejas namun masih ada yang berdegil. 

Beliau memberitahu pemberita bahawa pihaknya akan cuba bersabar dan meyakinkan para penjaja agar tidak mementingkan diri sendiri. 

Sebaliknya mereka diminta mengambil kira keharmonian rakyat dan bekerjasama bagi melancarkan tugas pegawai penguat kuasa memenuhi KPI dalam polisi NKRA negara. 

Pada masa yang sama, Lo berkata pihaknya tidak akan bertolak ansur dengan mana-mana pemilik rumah atau kedai yang mengubah suai dan menambah baik aset milik peribadi dan tidak memenuhi piawaian kelulusan MPP. 

“Sekarang banyak yang sudah semakin banyak duit dan berpendidikan tetapi ia tidak bermaksud anda boleh mengubah suai aset tanpa meminta kelulusan daripada MPP sehingga mengakibatkan kehilangan nyawa dan harta benda. 

“Kita juga perlu mengambil kira keselamatan jiran di dalam kawasan perumahan mahupun rumah kedai agar ia tidak mengancam nyawa orang lain. 

“Misalnya dalam kebakaran baru-baru ini, hanya dua rumah kedai daripada enam yang terselamat akibat pengubahsuaian aset dan pendawaian elektrik,” katanya. 

Beliau turut mengucapkan penghargaan dan memuji pembayar cukai di bawah tadbiran MPP.

Pesta Padawan 2014 bermula 20 Jun ini

Halaman Utama (/) » Sarawak (http://www.utusanborneo.com.my/sarawak) » Pesta Padawan 2014 bermula 20 Jun ini

Utusan Borneo Online: 2014-06-17

KUCHING: Majlis Perbandaran Padawan (MPP) akan mengadakan Pesta Padawan 2014 bermula 20 Jun di Bandar Baharu Batu Kawa di sini. 
 
Menurut Pengerusi MPP Lo Khere Chiang, pesta akan dirasmikan Menteri Kewangan yang juga Menteri Kesihatan Awam dan Pembangunan Masyarakat Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. 

“Terdapat 30 gerai yang akan menyertai dan memeriahkan lagi suasana dengan pelbagai jenis jualan yang akan berlangsung dengan susunan enam acara,” katanya pada sidang media di pejabatnya di Kota Padawan semalam. 

Tambah beliau, penganjuran pesta berkenaan adalah bagi merapatkan jalinan silaturahim di kalangan kakitangan majlis selain menyediakan medium untuk menggembirakan para pelanggannya di sini. 

Lo menghargai sumbangan pihak perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) yang menaja acara berkenaan. 

“Kami juga mahu merapatkan diri dengan para pelanggan dan melalui penyusunan acara seperti ini maka rakyat tahu dengan lebih dekat peranan dan perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan MPP kepada mereka,” tegasnya. 

Kemasukan adalah percuma kepada orang ramai dan setiap malam akan diadakan persembahan bagi tontonan awam. 

Pengerusi penganjur Ahli Majlis Richard Kian Hua turut hadir pada majlis berkenaan.

MPP deka bejalaika atur ti terit ba orang dagang ke tengik

Halaman Utama (/) » Iban (http://www.utusanborneo.com.my/iban) » MPP deka bejalaika atur ti terit ba orang dagang ke tengik

Utusan Borneo Online: 2014-06-17 

KUCHING: Pengawa orang dagang ke bedaja di kaki lima, palan endur ngengkah entukar enggau ngemesai kedai enggau nadai pemendar di Kota Sentosa entara sebengkah penanggul ke mar diputar Opis Kaunsil Kandang Bandar Padawan (MPP). 

Chairman MPP, Lo Khere Chiang madah, penanggul nya nyemaka semacham penyakit ke mar diperubat lalu semina nganti maya ngelekai nyadi sakit riman pengudah lebih 30 taun ditapi. 

“Kitai ukai semina nerima sebana ari rayat ninting hari tang sepemanjai taun. 

“Berindik ari nya kitai udah ngatur randau begulai enggau orang dagang ke bekaul kenyau pun bulan Jun tu tadi ke alai MPP minta sida meri kerejasama,” ku iya ba sebengkah aum pengarang berita kemari. 

Taja pia, Lo mengkang kesal pengudah mengkang mayuh orang dagang enda mendingka jaku lalau MPP ba randau nya. 


Lo nambah, 125 iti notis udah dianjung ngagai orang dagan ke ditemu ngereja penyalah nya.
Ku iya, MPP deka bejalaika sebengkah operasyen mutarka penyalah nya begulai enggau Polis, SEB, JKR, Bomba sereta Opis Tanah enggau Survei (JTS). 

Barang sapa ke ditemu ngelaban deka diukum nitihka undang-undang ke nyengkaum ukum jil, ku Lo. 

Ba kaul ke sama, Lo madah MPP enda belembut enggau orang dagang ti ngemesaika kedai sida enggau nadai pemendar sereta enda nitihka penetap MPP. 

“Diatu sida udah bisi mayuh duit tang nya ukai kebuah sida tau ngemesaika kedai peneka ati, enda minta pemendar ari MPP. 

“Kitai patut berundingka pengelikun orang bukai lalu neda sengapa ngeruga pengelantang pengidup sida,” ku iya.

RM50,000 bill per dumping hotspot for taxpayers — MPP

BAU: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) is done picking up after illegal dumping near the Batu Kitang Meteorological Department radar at Jalan Bau Lama.

Lo (fourth left) with officers from MPP Public Health section, Trienekens and MPP council members.

MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang Lo said the council spends around RM50,000 annually to clean each of the dumping ‘hotspots’, including areas at Kuching City Mall, Jalan Kung Ping and Rantau Panjang.

Lo said they have cleaned up the Bau Lama dumpsite several times and will be taking stern action on irresponsible parties who continue to make secret rubbish runs.

“This is being done by irresponsible adults. How will they ever become good examples to their children?” he lamented when visiting the site yesterday with MPP Public Health Department officers.

“This is their mindset. They have to realise that keeping the environment clean is very important and must be maintained always,” he said.

The council frequently had to clear the area of garbage, discarded food, broken furniture, construction debris and dead animals. Otherwise, the stench would be unbearable and the view, unsightly.

He expressed how unfair it was for taxpayers to end up footing the RM50,000 bill when the money could have gone into development elsewhere in the MPP constituency.

“We pay Trienekens to allocate garbage cans and lorries so people can dispose of garbage in a systematic manner, but they prefer dumping in hidden places like this,” he said.

MPP will place signboards in the hotspots and anyone who still ignores the warning can be fined up to RM2,000 and jailed.

Members of the public who witness any illegal dumping are encouraged to photograph the act on their mobile phones and take it to the council. They can also contact the Public Health Section at 082-615566.

Meanwhile, 62-year-old Pengiran Samsudine finds himself frequently calling in to MPP regarding the conditions along that road.

“I drive through here in the afternoon and this is an eyesore,” he said.

“This used to be the main road between Bau and Kuching. With a new road, it is sad to see irresponsible parties taking advantage of how quiet it is here now.”

July 8, 2014, Tuesday 

reporters@theborneopost.com