Len (second left) is seen talking with Wan Junaidi (centre) while Fauziah (second right) is seen speaking with Len’s wife Datin Asiah Awai during at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House.
KUCHING (April 2): The gas pipeline fire which took place in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya yesterday serves as a crucial lesson for industries in Sarawak, particularly those in Samalaju, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said the incident highlighted the need for companies to not only improve safety protocols but also address health standards and other essential areas.
“They need to improve not only in terms of safety but also in terms of health and other areas, particularly in waste management and handling scheduled waste.
“Those are the aspects that need to be prioritised,” said Len when met by reporters at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at his residence in Demak Jaya, Jalan Bako here today.
He said state government and agencies responsible for this issue must ensure that every factory, whether small or large, adheres to the established protocols to ensure that safety is not compromised, affecting both their operations and the surrounding public.
“Therefore, we urge the agencies involved and entrusted with maintaining the safety of the state to comply with the standards they have set,” he added.
Speaking on the bird nest industry, Len emphasised that Sarawak has long-established regulations and procedures, but the main issue now lies in the development of bird nest farms in urban areas, especially in shophouses, which is not permitted by law.
“Any application submitted to the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is forwarded to the State Planning Authority (SPA),” he said.
“The SPA is responsible for reviewing applications, but only within the bounds of the legal framework.
“We are eager to develop the industry, but it must follow the procedures we’ve set. If products are being exported, we need to know to which countries.
“This has happened in the past. Some producers have not followed the necessary protocols, affecting their industry,” said Len.
Acknowledging the ups and downs of the industry, Talif stressed the importance of understanding these fluctuations.
He also reassured that there are clear procedures in place to ensure the industry’s growth while safeguarding public health.
“Birds can carry diseases, viruses, bacteria, and more. That’s why we must be vigilant and strict in enforcing these requirements,” he concluded.
Len’s Hari Raya open house in Demak Jaya, Jalan Bako here today was attended by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his spouse Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi and other dignitaries.