SIBU: Relevant authorities are urged to implement safer and more professional safety measures at the site along Dr Wong Soon Kai Road here where a recent tragic incident claimed the life of a two-year-old child who fell into a drain due to a missing manhole cover.
Stanley Chiew, Private Secretary to Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker, Alice Lau Kiong Yieng, who is Lanang Member of Parliament, said after inspecting the scene, he expressed shock that several open drain holes were only loosely covered with weak, low-load-bearing wooden composite boards – even after the incident had occurred.
“A temporary solution must not be carried out with a ‘lowest-cost mindset’ when public safety is at risk.
“Merely putting up warning tape around the area is insufficient, especially when it comes to protecting children or students who may not be aware of the potential danger,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Chiew, who is also Sarawak DAP State Committee member, stressed that public safety is not the sole responsibility of any one department but all relevant agencies, including the municipal council, rural district council, Public Works Department, and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.
They must treat any public safety hazard with urgency, regardless of whether it falls within their direct jurisdiction or not.
He warned that a culture of indifference or shifting blame between agencies could ultimately result in the loss of innocent lives.
He reiterated that public safety must always be a top priority and that reactive explanations offered only after a tragedy occurred were often too little, too late.
“I would also like to call on Sibu’s municipal and rural district councils to ensure that contractors handling routine work, such as drain cleaning, grass cutting, or general maintenance are clearly instructed to report any missing or damaged drain covers or other public safety risks they encounter while on duty.
“Parents and guardians are also reminded never to leave children unattended in vehicles or public areas, noting that such negligence has led to numerous avoidable tragedies over the years,” he pointed out.
He stated further that Lanang MP Service Centre received numerous public complaints every week, including issues beyond its jurisdiction.
“Nevertheless, the centre strives to assist or refer these matters to the appropriate elected representatives to ensure timely resolution,” he said.
Chiew encouraged the public to reach out via call or WhatsApp at 010-3998211/ 010-3908211 for assistance with any public-related concerns.
