THE state government must wipe out cyber gambling activities throughout Sarawak.
Dr Wong Hua Seh (DAP-Repok) highlighted in his budget debate speech yesterday that cyber gambling is still rampant, and is the major cause of social problems.
“I cannot understand why it cannot be eliminated. The operation is very open and easy to trace. Relevant authorities should not be slow to act and be complacent. There must be political will to stop cyber gambling activities,” he stressed.
On medical issues, Wong pointed out that there are no obstetrician or gynaecologist in Sarikei Hospital which inconvenienced the public.
“The Health Department needs to fill this post soonest as it has been vacant for about two years now,” he said.
Wong emphasised the need for a Burnt Unit equipped with sophisticated equipment and facilities in Sibu and Miri hospitals to treat critically burnt patients, especially.
There is also severe shortage of sub-specialists such as nephrologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists and oncologists.
“I urge the medical department to station the above specialists in the respective hospital soon as there are many patients with renal, neuro and liver problems as well as cancer patients having to seek treatment in Kuching,” he explained.
“Many cannot afford to pay the travelling and medical expenses,” he added.
He urged the government to provide three more ambulances for Sarikei Hospital to address the shortage, and in case of breakdown of existing vehicles.
On the water supply issue, he informed the august house that there are still many outskirts areas such as Merudu, Bulat and Sebanyak that faced irregular water supply caused by low pressure.
“Although this issue has been brought up many times, no concrete steps have been taken to improve the water supply. I urge the Infrastructure Ministry to take immediate action,” he added.
Wong raised his concern over no allocation for minor rural projects in 2013 for Sarikei District Council.
“Is it because the ministry of local government wants to penalise the council for inappropriate usage of funds in past years?” he queried.
He called on the local government to provide at lease RM1 million in MRP funds to improve infrastructure in rural areas of Sarikei as there are many roads and small bridges in need of repair.
“If there was evidence of inappropriate use of funds, the government should take action against the offender and not penalise the public,” he said.
“Moreover the walkways in Sarikei are in bad condition with parts sinking and collapsing. The council needs more funds to do the repair work,” he added.
Wong suggested that the government give priority to local contractors to take part in the Pan Borneo Highway project for which the prime minister has announced a RM27 billion allocation under Budget 2015.