900 villagers of Kampung Pulau Melayu awaiting construction of concrete drain
MIRI: More than 900 villagers in Kampung Pulau Melayu here will benefit from the construction of a proposed 500-metre stretch of concrete drain in the village which is awaiting funding and approval.
According to local community leader Penghulu Samad Alip, the drain would solve the flooding problem that has affected the village of more than 300 houses located in a low lying area, especially during rainy season.
“Every time when there is heavy rain, the water will rise and enter our houses. Another problem is that the flood will also bring in snakes. This has occurred for over 10 years. Upon receiving many complaints on this matter from the villagers, I have made a request for the authorities to construct a concrete drain at the village.
“It is to ensure cleanliness and prevent stagnant water in the area,” he said when met at Kampung Pulau Melayu headman Drahman Sahat’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house yesterday, adding that the drainage problem was also a result of progressive development, especially the construction of new houses in the area.
Also present at the open house were Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting and Miri mayor Adam Yii.
“I would like to thank Datuk Sebastian Ting and the Miri City Council ( MCC) for their contribution towards various developments here including roads connecting houses in all lanes in this village.
“Nevertheless, I hope that this drainage and flooding issue will be managed soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ting said that he would discuss the matter with MCC to allocate a budget for the project.
On the open house, Ting hoped that the tradition would continue as to further strengthen relationships between the local communities.
“During this festive season, it is important for us to go around and take the opportunity to get closer with each other. It is a tradition which we have to foster among the younger generation to continue this mutual respect and appreciate our differences, accepting each other and that is what makes such an occasion beautiful and special,” added Ting.
Ting was later joined by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house of Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang.