SIBU: Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang has called for swift action to prevent any repeat of the fate that befell a toddler here recently.
He said it was important that the relevant authorities urgently survey and replace missing or damaged manhole covers.
He made the call following the tragic incident at Jalan Wong Soon Kai here, where a two-year-old boy died after falling into an open sewer manhole.
“This heartbreaking tragedy underscores a long-standing public safety concern involving missing or unsecured manhole covers.
“Regardless of whether the infrastructure falls under the jurisdiction of local councils or federal agencies such as the Public Works Department (PWD), it is imperative that proactive measures be taken immediately,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 6).
Tiang urged all relevant authorities—including Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), PWD Sibu Division, and the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) Sibu—to conduct thorough surveys and inspections of their respective areas to identify and replace any missing or damaged manhole covers without delay.
“I have personally communicated with the SMC chairman, PWD Sibu divisional engineer, and DID Sibu engineers to request their urgent attention and coordinated action in addressing this issue within their governing areas,” he said, adding that public safety must never be compromised.
In the same breath Tiang called on the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to take stern enforcement actions against those involved in the theft and illegal trade of scrap metals, which often include manhole covers.
“Such irresponsible acts endanger innocent lives and must be dealt with firmly,” he stressed.
This incident is a painful reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure our towns and cities are safe for all residents—especially young children, he said.
“Let this be a turning point for us to strengthen our vigilance and improve coordination among all stakeholders to prevent such tragedy from happening again,” he added.
