Resolve Miri Hospital’s parking issue before start of extension works – Rep

MIRI: Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon is calling for the issue of limited parking space at Miri Hospital to be addressed before the start of the hospital’s extension works.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the hospital, accompanied by Hospital Visitors Board (ALP) chairman Peter Hee, he said he would be discussing the matter with the relevant agencies to address the long-standing problem.

“We need the cooperation of many parties to address this (lack of parking) issue, and I believe building a multi-storey parking space is one of the best solutions.

“Discussion should also be made whether there is a need for parking charges and, if there is, the parking charges must be affordable for hospital staff and visitors,” he said.

The hospital building extension, which will house 328 beds, is currently in the tender process and, with the current limited parking, will result in major problems if not immediately addressed, added Dr Ting.

Separately, the new ALP team – formed on June 14 – is currently in the midst of implementing three projects, namely installing security cameras to increase safety at the hospital; putting up ‘ No Smoking’ signs inside the hospital; and setting up a designated resting room for patients waiting to be admitted.

“We were told by Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong that (incoming) patients had to wait for other patients to be discharged first, before they can get a bed.

“Thus we think it would be best to create a designated room which is conducive enough for them to wait while waiting to be warded,” said Hee.

According to him, the ALP serves as a liaison to strengthen the relationship between the hospital and the community.

“We act as the communication bridge between the hospital and the people to improve hospital services, relay messages from the hospital to the public, and enhance cooperation between the hospital and the public,” he said, while extending his gratitude to the previous ALP team led by councillor Karambir Singh for a job well done. PUTRAJAYA: A list of proposed commissioners for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) was submitted to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad a week ago, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong said yesterday.

“The list has been given to the prime minister for him to make the announcement,” he told reporters after opening the National High-Level Dialogue on Business and Human Rights here.

Suhakam has been without commissioners after its chairman, Tan Sri Razali Ismail, resigned on April 16, almost two weeks before the end of his term on April 27, and the terms of the other seven commissioners ended on April 25.

The seven commissioners were Datuk Mah Weng Kwai, Datuk Godfrey Gregory Joitol, Dr Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Salleh, Jerald Joseph, Datuk Lok Yim Pheng, Prof Datuk Dr Aishah Bidin and Francis Johen Adam.

A commissioner’s term runs for three years. The last round of appointments was made in July 2016 and backdated to April that year.

Liew said that on June 20, the Cabinet endorsed a recommendation for human rights to be included in his ministerial portfolio and that he would be assisted by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department.

“I hope the new development will pave a significant and positive way forward in the governance of human rights in Malaysia,” he said. — Bernama