Kuching: Frustration is mounting among residents in Padawan as multiple unresolved infrastructure issues continue to plague neighbourhoods, prompting a strong rebuke from Soo Tien Ren, Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen.
In a statement, Soo highlighted what he described as an “unjustified delay” and a lack of accountability from the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) in addressing basic public concerns.
One major complaint involves the neighbourhood at Lorong 8, Jalan Dogan, where residents have reportedly been living with a broken and unstable drainage system since late 2023.
According to Soo, the issue was first reported to MPP via WhatsApp on 20 October 2023, with a follow-up lodged on 5 June 2025. Despite these repeated reports, he said, no repairs have been carried out, and no official updates have been provided.
“How can a local council take more than a year to address such a basic and dangerous issue? Is this incompetence, or apathy toward the people?” Soo asked.
A second case raised involved House No. 220, Lorong Gimorieng 3, where residents began noticing cracks in their flooring as early as Gawai 2024. Soo acknowledged that MPP officers visited the site several times for inspections, but no actual repair work has taken place.
“These inspections appear to be merely symbolic. Residents are left to wonder whether there’s any real intention to resolve the issue,” he said.
Calling the issues “long-standing, repeatedly reported, and persistently ignored,” Soo criticised what he perceives as a lack of urgency and seriousness from the council.
He stressed that matters such as broken drains and structural damage, while perhaps minor on paper, are very real concerns for residents whose daily lives and safety are affected.
“Council governance should not just exist in slogans and masterplans. It must be reflected in action, especially in the day-to-day realities of ordinary people,” he said.
Soo urged MPP to act without further delay, warning that continued inaction would not go unanswered.
“I will continue to speak out on behalf of the affected residents until real action is taken,” he concluded.
