KUCHING: The long-standing drainage issue at Lorong Kedandi 2 in the MBKS area will finally be resolved, thanks to swift intervention and funding by the Federal Government following continued inaction by the local council, said Michael Kong, Special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen.
Kong said he had raised the issue multiple times over the past year, especially after being alerted by a resident, Mr Sim, who had exhausted all channels, including Talikhidmat complaints and contacting the area’s state assemblyman, See Chee How.
“Despite MBKS conducting site visits and giving verbal assurances as far back as September 2023, no proper remedial action was taken,” said Kong.
He said on April last year, MBKS merely filled the damaged drains with cement in a superficial attempt to patch things up. But the situation worsened causing soil erosion and damaged homes including parts of Mr Sim’s fence and porch to sink.
Kong noted that he had issued public statements on September 22 in 2023, April 8 last year 2024 and December 4 last year urging MBKS and the local ADUN to act, and had also submitted reports through Talikhidmat and MBKS representatives. Yet the matter remained unresolved.
“Faced with silence and indifference, we brought the case directly to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming who responded quickly, recognised the urgency, and approved federal funding for a full upgrade of the drainage system at Lorong Kedandi 2,” said Kong.
He described the outcome as both a relief for residents and a clear indictment of MBKS’s inefficiency and the Sarawak Government’s misplaced priorities.
“It’s appalling that while the Sarawak Government claims to be wealthy, it routinely pleads lack of funds when it comes to fixing basic infrastructure like drains, roads or flood-prone areas. Yet, billions are allocated to mega projects like the ART system, the new Kuching International Airport and 17 new DUN seats,” he said.
“Drainage maintenance is a local government responsibility. The fact that a local drain issue had to be escalated to the federal level is an embarrassment for MBKS and the State Government.”
Kong expressed his appreciation to the Federal Minister for his prompt action.
“I sincerely thank YB Nga Kor Ming for putting people over politics. This is real governance listening to the people, acting on their concerns, and delivering results,” he added.
By Connie Chieng