11 hours ago
8
ADVERTISE HERE
Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Photo: Jabatan Penerangan MalaysiaAdvertisement
By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, June 11: Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has called on traders not to take advantage of the ongoing water supply disruption in Miri by raising bottled water prices, following complaints from consumers over unusually high prices.
Lee said he had received reports of price increases and had requested the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to conduct inspections to ensure no parties were profiteering from the situation.
Advertisement
“I hope traders will not take advantage of the situation by increasing prices as this is a time that requires cooperation from all parties,” he was quoted as saying by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) during a press conference yesterday (June 10).
At the same time, Lee advised residents not to panic-buy drinking water, assuring them that supplies remain sufficient following additional stock deliveries by suppliers into Miri.
The remarks came as repair works continue on a critical 1,100-millimetre-diameter main water pipeline that supplies water to about 70 per cent of Miri’s population.
According to Lee, various preparations have been made by relevant agencies and stakeholders to minimise the impact of the scheduled water disruption, including the deployment of water tankers, water storage tanks and drinking water supplies for affected residents.
He said the damaged pipeline is a vital component of Miri’s water supply system, and efforts are being intensified to ensure repairs are completed according to schedule.
“Once the repair works are completed, the restoration process will still require some time as the system needs to be refilled before water can reach consumers, especially those located at the end of the supply network such as Kuala Baram,” he said.
Lee also urged the public to use water prudently throughout the disruption period and prioritise consumption for essential daily needs.
He added that continuous monitoring is being carried out at the repair site, alongside coordination with relevant agencies to ensure the repair operation proceeds smoothly.
During a visit to the repair location, Lee also contacted Sarawak Energy to address several malfunctioning streetlights near the work site to ensure the safety of personnel working overnight.
He further expressed appreciation to the engineers, contractors, utility personnel and other workers involved in the repair operation for their tireless efforts to restore water supply to residents as quickly as possible. — DayakDaily
English (US) ·