Fear of erosion gives family sleepless nights

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(From left) Dr Ting, Hee and Alan Ling with Wiliam Ling (Wong’s son) viewing the badly damaged section of the back lane.

MIRI: A family of four staying at Lot 629, Jalan Hillstone 1A, Lopeng here are having sleepless nights especially when it rains as they fear their whole house may collapse due to erosion.

They are appealing to the authorities particularly Miri City Council (MCC) to assist them in diverting the storm drain next to their house and build retaining walls to prevent further erosion and damage to the house.

According to Wong Hee Min, her husband Ling Swee Chai who works as a taxi driver, had sought help from MCC since 2016 and an elected representative recently but no help was forthcoming.

“In February this year our fencing at the back lane had collapsed and our septic tank too had been damaged and we fear the worst might happen.

“We have also informed the council about the incident. We really need urgent help. We cannot afford to do major repair works as the cost is quite high and that it why today (yesterday) we asked Pujut assemblyman, Dr Ting Tiong Choon to visit our house, although only our two sons were there to meet them as we both were working,” said Wong when contacted.

Dr Ting who came with Alan Ling (Sarawak DAP secretary general) and DAP Piasau deputy chairman, Peter Hee Leh Keng urged the council to act speedily as the lives of the residents and their property are at stake.

“Speedy remedial action needs to be taken by the council especially in repairing the drain and retaining walls to prevent further erosion.

“MCC should tell the house owner whether the council can or cannot take the remedial measures rather than keeping them waiting for so long even after being informed in February this year that the fence had collapsed and septic tank damaged,” said Ting.

Alan Ling who is also DAP Piasau chairman, meanwhile also called on the city council to discharge their duties fairly.

“MCC should treat all rate payers including this family equally. Let’s not have double standard as this involves lives and properties. We are giving the council time to act to solve this problem,” said Ling.