Strengthen ground monitoring, be open to criticism, DAP S’wak secretary tells Miri City Council

MIRI (Jan 29): The Miri City Council (MCC) must strengthen ground monitoring and remain open to public feedback to improve service delivery, said Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak secretary Alan Ling.

He said an open approach towards criticism and public views – including those expressed through social media – would help the council identify shortcomings and implement continuous improvements.

“As a local authority, MCC bears the responsibility of delivering services that satisfy the people. Public feedback can be used as a foundation for improvement,” he said in a statement.

Ling also highlighted the role of more than 30 zone councillors and permanent local authority staff, noting that they could be fully utilised to enhance the monitoring of maintenance works on the ground.

“More structured and consistent monitoring would help ensure that basic works are carried out according to schedule without having to rely solely on residents’ complaints,” he said.

“Residents expect routine works such as drain cleaning, grass cutting and waste collection to be carried out on a scheduled and continuous basis.”

He added that local governments should prioritise the implementation of core functions that have a direct impact on the quality of life of the people, alongside organising programmes and community activities.

Ling said he personally receives frequent feedback from residents concerning cleanliness, maintenance of public facilities and the residential environment around Miri.

While appreciation should be given when work is carried out well, he noted that there remains room for improvement in several areas, including solid waste management, urban cleanliness, drainage flow, grass cutting and control of advertising billboards.

As such, he described the warnings issued by MCC to contractors as a step towards improving compliance and performance through more effective monitoring.

“Continuous improvement efforts, including appropriate action against contractors who fail to meet standards, are important to ensure that public interests remain protected.”