Press Statement By Michael Kong:
I echo Lo Khere Chiang’s plea to the state government for more funds to enable the local council to improve all the dilapidated drains in its jurisdiction, especially within the Kota Sentosa and Batu Kitang constituency. This plea confirms my previous statement that the state government has constantly disregarded this basic need which has left the people begging for the proper basic infrastructure that they need.
On 19.02.2021, we saw the consequences of the poor drainage system which we inherited from the current GPS government. Many of the houses along Jalan Stakan experienced a flash flood which caused much destruction to personal property. One house even had its entire fence swept away by the strong current. To make matters worse, the local Kapitan had the cheek to say that there is nothing that the government can do to help alleviate the situation. To the Kapitan, the only way was to ask God to stop the rain.
Many of these people work very hard just to be able to afford to buy a house. In order to achieve this dream of owning a house within suburban areas like Kota Sentosa, many have to save up for many years. Just when they thought that they finally have a sense of security by having a roof over their head, they are left disappointed and filled with anguish.
The issue of flash floods within Kuching is not something new. For decades, people staying at Jalan Luis and Jalan Durian Burung also go through anxious moments whenever it rains for hours. The state government should put more attention to fix the flooding issues once and for all. Instead of putting money like RM60million for a new complex for MPP, use this much-needed funds on basic infrastructure projects for the people.
Michael Kong Feng Nian
Special Assistant to YB Chong Chieng Jen
