Villagers attending the meet-the-people session.
SIBU: Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee wants the perennial flood problem in Kampung Bahagia Jaya, Teku, to be resolved as soon as possible.
Dr Annuar said the problem had caused great inconvenience to the villagers, including school children who could not go to school.
“I urge the authorities to come up with long-term solutions to resolve the issue once and for all,” he told thesundaypost after a dialogue held in the village here yesterday.
It was organised by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC).
A representative from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) also attended.
Dr Annuar said such solutions were also needed for Kampung Sentosa, Salim, and Kampung Jeriah at Oya Road.
During the dialogue, the Village Security and Development Committees (JKKK) Phase 1 chairman Zaidil Akip voiced the flooding issue, which had besieged the villagers for years.
Zaidil attributed the flooding problem in Phase 1 and 3 to the drainage system.
He also showed a slide of a flood at Lane 9A1.
According to Zaidil, they had written to the relevant authorities to provide solutions.
“It is the fervent hope of the residents that the problem be solved through this dialogue attended by the relevant departments.”
The villagers also raised the issue of abandoned houses and lots.
One of them said abandoned houses could be used for unhealthy activities.
Dr Annuar was concerned, saying: “The places could be used for glue sniffing, drug abuse or to keep stolen properties.”
He urged SMC to get the owners of houses to clear the premises and called on the JKKK to provide the council with a list of abandoned houses.
He also urged the JKKK to submit a list of abandoned lots to him by tomorrow for follow-up with the Land and Survey Department.
“I’m going to work closely with the Land and Survey Department to see how these lots can be channelled to those who need them,” Dr Annuar said.
On street lighting for Kampung Bahagia Jaya, he urged the JKKK to submit their requirement.
The issue of traffic congestion was also brought up during the dialogue.
A parent complained of massive jam from Taman Indah right up to Sing Ang Tong Methodist Church, suggesting that the council form a traffic unit.
Councillor Ibrahim Laili responded, saying at main traffic junctions, SMC would ask traffic police to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Other issues brought up were irregular garbage collection and dogs scavenging on rubbish.
Penghulu Teng Swee Ho handed over to Councillor Paul Siao the complaints and suggestions to improve the situation in Kampung Bahagia Jaya in Teku.