KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman Cr Tan Kai announced that a total of 121 projects under the MARRIS Khas Jalan initiative have been approved, with an overall allocation of RM8.2 million. As of now, 47.1% of these projects have been completed.
In a press conference after chairing the monthly council meeting, Tan Kai stated that for MARRIS Khas Parit, 28 projects have received approval with a total allocation of RM7.8 million, of which 32.14% have been completed.
He added that out of 411 routine maintenance projects under MARRIS across the Council area, 133 have been successfully completed. “The Council is committed to ensuring transparency and efficiency in implementing all funded projects to guarantee timely delivery and maximum benefit to the community,” he said.
Tan Kai also issued a reminder to private developers conducting earthwork within MPP’s jurisdiction. “All developers must obtain engineering approval before starting any earthwork. Road permits are also required, and routes for heavy vehicles must be clearly outlined,” he stressed.
He explained that repeated damage to residential roads, often caused by overloaded construction vehicles, leads to costly repairs and strains public resources. Cr Tan warned that failure to comply with these requirements is a breach of Section 8A of the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1996 and planning regulations.
“Non-compliance may result in enforcement action, including site closure by MPP’s Engineering and Enforcement Division with the assistance of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM),” he added. He noted that just last month, access to a site was closed due to such a violation.
On another matter, Cr Tan announced that the Council has endorsed the Regularisation of Unauthorised Advertisements to ensure public safety and proper enforcement in line with the relevant by-laws.
“These measures are essential to prevent risks from poorly placed advertisements, which may endanger the public or disrupt the townscape,” he said.
He reminded business operators that all advertisements must comply with MPP’s guidelines. “Failure to obtain the necessary permit constitutes an offence under By-law 28 of the Local Authorities (Advertisements) By-laws 2012, and defaulters may be compounded RM1,000.”
However, he added that MPP remains committed to supporting business operators. “The Council is ready to assist and guide businesses through the licensing and compliance process.”
By Connie Chieng