KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman Tan Kai has refuted recent allegations by Michael Kong, Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, concerning the condition of road access and waste collection services at Lot 895, Jalan Kung Phin.
In a press statement issued today, Tan clarified that infrastructure upgrades, including roadworks, are subject to technical evaluation, land ownership, and availability of funds.
“While we understand the concerns of the residents, it is important to note that parts of the road in question lie on private land. As per current regulations, MPP cannot utilise assessment rate funds to upgrade private roads,” he said.
Tan rejected accusations of double standards as “completely untrue and misleading,” citing the successful upgrading of several roads in Batu Kitang under the Projek Rakyat initiative in 2023, amounting to nearly RM1 million, with MPP as the implementing agency.
“This shows how vital the role of the local elected representatives is in securing development funds,” he added, noting that similar infrastructure improvements have also been carried out in Batu Kawa through the active use of ADUN funds.
Tan expressed disappointment that the matter was being politicised instead of addressed through proper channels.
“It is regrettable that the Member of Parliament for Stampin has allowed his special assistant to turn this into a political issue rather than assisting with securing the necessary funding. Both Batu Kitang and Batu Kawa fall under his parliamentary constituency,” he said.
He called on Chong to take “proactive responsibility” by utilising the RM4.2 million in annual parliamentary allocation to assist residents, pointing out that over RM10 million had been allocated over the past three years with no visible infrastructure improvement in the area.
Tan urged opposition representatives to prioritise the needs of the people and work constructively with the Council to improve service delivery.
“Political statements without follow-through do little to improve the situation on the ground,” he said.
Tan reaffirmed MPP’s commitment to its role in monitoring, facilitating feedback, and coordinating efforts to make Padawan a cleaner, safer, and more liveable place for all.
