Tiong criticises SMC for placing condition to repair potholes at Pulau Li Hua

SIBU (Oct 22): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) should not make the removal of a security guardhouse a condition for assisting in the repair of potholes and maintenance of infrastructure at Pulau Li Hua here, said Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, who is Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, pointed out that the development and maintenance of Pulau Li Hua falls under the responsibility of the SMC.

“The SMC has demanded that the village development and security committee (JKKK) of Pulau Li Hua dismantle the community’s self-built security guardhouse before agreeing to repair potholes and maintain other infrastructure in the area.

“Responding to this, I would like to remind SMC and their councillors that their primary duty is to serve the people.

“They should not use technicalities such as labelling the guardhouse as an ‘illegal structure’, which is an excuse to ignore safety concerns and risk exposing the residents to unnecessary danger,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Tiong said it should be understood that the guardhouse was built by the residents of Pulau Li Hua, who have faced frequent crime activities including car theft, illicit drug activities, and illegal street racing.

Since 2017, the residents have taken it upon themselves to establish security measures and have spent nearly RM200,000 annually to maintain them, he added.

In this regard, Tiong said SMC and its councillors must also knowledge that the residents pay annual assessment and land taxes, and it is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to maintain the area’s infrastructure.

Moreover, he recalled that in the past, service vehicles were able to access the community to perform maintenance work.

“It is disappointing that after several years, SMC suddenly claims that vehicles can no longer enter and that the guardhouse violates local regulations, making its removal a condition for repair works.

“Given the special nature of this guardhouse, which guarantees the safety of the community, I suggest the Pulau Li Hua JKKK formally report its operations to the local police and liaise with the Fire and Rescue Department, so as to ensure that fire engines can access the areas smoothly in cases of emergency,” he said.

Adding on, Tiong said the community plans to install a comprehensive surveillance system in the future meant to further safeguard the neighbourhood.

“I understand that SMC may be acting within legal parameters, but we should not forget the Sarawak government’s ‘people-first’ approach,” he said, adding that he hoped the issue could be resolved before his dialogue with Pulau Li Hua residents next month.

To this end, Tiong reminded all councillors, especially those from Progressive Democratic Party, to recognise their duty in serving the people and not to abuse their power.