Prolonged road closure in Kota Sentosa hurts businesses, inconveniences public, says DAP man

KUCHING (Oct 15): The continued closure of Jalan Liu Shan Bang at Kota Sentosa has severely impacted the business owners and inconvenienced the public, said Democratic Action Party (DAP) member Michael Kong Feng Nian.

Kong, who is also special assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, highlighted that the road closure has prevented access to shops and businesses along the road.

According to him, the notice issued by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) stated that the works were scheduled to only cause a closure of Jalan Liu Shan Bang from 11pm on Monday to 5am this morning.

However, contrary to the notice, Jalan Liu Shan Bang remained closed even as of 1pm today, he added.

“I urge MPP to take immediate corrective action and ensure that future projects are carried out properly and within the specified time frames. It is essential that MPP takes its responsibility seriously, ensuring the public is spared unnecessary disruption and inconvenience,” he said in a statement following a visit to the road after receiving complaints from the public.

Kong emphasised the importance of contractors adhering to their scope of work and the agreed-upon schedule to minimise disruptions, particularly during daytime hours when the road is heavily used.

He suggested that contractors could have laid down a temporary steel plate over the ditch to allow motorists to pass during the day and continue work in the evening, thus mitigating the impact on road users and businesses.

“MPP, in turn, must be more transparent with the public about any road closures and ensure sufficient prior notice is given when such projects are undertaken,” he added.