SMC adds WhatsApp, WeChat to its service hotline

SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has added WhatsApp and WeChat to its SMC Local Authority ( LA) Serve Squad hotline.

SMC chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said the public can contact 019- 8179297 to report issues related to council services.

“The services include malfunction of traffic lights, potholes, scupper drains, illegal dumping and many more. The public are urged to use WhatsApp or WeChat to channel their complaints,” he said during the full council meeting yesterday.

He explained the LA Serve Squad came under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, with the aim to improve service delivery and enhance efficient use of manpower to reduce complaints.

Squad members will go on scheduled patrols to identify problems on the ground.

“Members of the squad are equipped with tools to solve minor problems on the spot and report critical cases promptly for immediate rectification.

“Six local authorities have been selected for LA Serve Squad pilot project, namely SMC, Bintulu Development Authority, Padawan Municipal Council, Samarahan Municipal Council, Sri Aman District Council, and Miri City Council,” Tiong said.

On another matter, he said SMC caught 408 dogs between July 1 and Aug 25, from which 60 were claimed by their owners.

He reminded the public to refrain from approaching or attempting to handle pets from rabies-infected areas.

“When bitten, immediately seek medical treatment,” he advised.

Tiong added that the SMC Public Library will change its operating hours next month to 12 noon to 7pm on Mondays, and 9am to 7pm on other days.

The library’s current operating hours are 9am to 9pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, and from 2pm to 9pm on Mondays.