Speaker dismisses Chiew’s motion on building monsoon drain

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Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar

STATE Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar dismissed a private member’s motion raised by Chiew Chiu Sing (DAP-Tanjong Batu).

In his motion, Chiew was seeking for immediate action to be taken to safeguard the people living at Taman Desa Damai and Pine Avenue in Bintulu, which were flooded   about midnight on Nov 7 due to a heavy downpour.

The motion was made under Standing Order 15, which says only matter that is definite, urgent and of public importance could be moved by a member of the august House for an adjournment under Standing Order 14.

“However, the issue brought may be definite, urgent and of public importance, but it does not fulfil the ingredient that is urgent under Standing Order 15,” Asfia said in his ruling yesterday.

Asfia said he had received a reply from the Ministry of Local Government and Housing dated Nov 7 on the matter that Chiew raised.

He said Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) was already aware of the situation at Taman Desa Damai.

Asfia said BDA had already awarded tender for the construction of a two-metre wide concrete drain with a total length of 1.66km along Jalan Sibiew (opposite Pine Avenue and Taman Desa Damai) in order to address flooding in the area.

“The cost of the project is RM3.895 million. The construction is expected to start on Nov 21, and it will take 10 months to complete. Therefore, the question has been addressed. There is no more urgency. Motion is dismissed.”

In response, Chiew asked Asfia to reconsider his decision because the time taken to complete the project would take a long time.

“Rain and flood could occur at anytime.

“We should adjourn this Dewan (august House) so that we can talk about the alternative or short term measure to overcome the problem.”

Asfia said: “We have received assurance that work will commence on Nov 21.”