(Kuching, 23rd) Regarding the collapse of the shoplots on Jalan Hero in Sibu, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Central Region Organization issued a statement in defense of party chairman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, pointing out that this incident highlights the longstanding drainage and flood prevention issues in the area. They questioned the purpose of governance if the current leadership continues to blame past governments instead of addressing current risks.
The DPP expressed deep concern in its statement over the recurring floods, blocked drains, and waterlogging problems in Sibu over the years. These problems have gradually undermined soil stability and affected building foundations, and so far the area still lacks a comprehensive drainage plan, hydrological river studies, and a clear desilting schedule.
The party stated that the situation has reached the point where a comprehensive overhaul is necessary, mentioning that many areas in Sibu still rely on simple earth drains instead of monsoon drainage systems capable of handling heavy rain.
The collapsed shoplot on Jalan Hero once housed a tuition center; the incident also highlights the risks brought by decades of insufficient flood prevention measures. The DPP noted that since the accident happened at night, it avoided students suffering serious harm.
The statement pointed out that Tiong King Sing, who is both Dudong state assemblyman and Bintulu MP, had raised the drainage and flood prevention issues in Sibu many times in the Sarawak State Assembly both before and after the last election, urging the implementation of systematic long-term solutions.
The party emphasized that his response to media questions was merely the fulfillment of his duties as an elected representative, not provocation or political showmanship.
The statement said: “The reality is clear. Shifting the blame to past governments can't eliminate current risks or improve public safety. Those in power now have the responsibility to take decisive action and deliver real results.”
The DPP also mentioned broader issues of governance and accountability, warning that if the focus remains only on verbal disputes or mutual political finger-pointing, fundamental problems will remain unresolved.
The party noted that the difficulties faced by the public, their losses, and concerns about infrastructure safety must be addressed through concrete engineering measures, clear planning, and transparent implementation.
The DPP stated that neglecting these responsibilities not only endangers public safety but also erodes public trust in local government. They believe the collapse on Jalan Hero should serve as a wake-up call, prompting the authorities to place public safety above political narratives.
After the incident, there has also been wider discussion in the Sibu community, including about enforcement standards, urban planning, and flood control management, along with calls for transparent investigations and sustainable infrastructure reforms to prevent similar tragedies from recurring.
This incident also prompted Tiong King Sing to recently criticize the Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government led by Sarawak Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, accusing the ministry of ignoring repeated calls for desilting and drainage improvements.
Subsequently, six SUPP branch offices also issued statements in response, questioning the former minister who approved the original construction of the building, instead of passing the blame to the current minister.
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The DPP expressed deep concern in its statement over the recurring floods, blocked drains, and waterlogging problems in Sibu over the years. These problems have gradually undermined soil stability and affected building foundations, and so far the area still lacks a comprehensive drainage plan, hydrological river studies, and a clear desilting schedule.
The party stated that the situation has reached the point where a comprehensive overhaul is necessary, mentioning that many areas in Sibu still rely on simple earth drains instead of monsoon drainage systems capable of handling heavy rain.
The collapsed shoplot on Jalan Hero once housed a tuition center; the incident also highlights the risks brought by decades of insufficient flood prevention measures. The DPP noted that since the accident happened at night, it avoided students suffering serious harm.
The party emphasized that his response to media questions was merely the fulfillment of his duties as an elected representative, not provocation or political showmanship.
The statement said: “The reality is clear. Shifting the blame to past governments can't eliminate current risks or improve public safety. Those in power now have the responsibility to take decisive action and deliver real results.”
The DPP also mentioned broader issues of governance and accountability, warning that if the focus remains only on verbal disputes or mutual political finger-pointing, fundamental problems will remain unresolved.
The party noted that the difficulties faced by the public, their losses, and concerns about infrastructure safety must be addressed through concrete engineering measures, clear planning, and transparent implementation.
The DPP stated that neglecting these responsibilities not only endangers public safety but also erodes public trust in local government. They believe the collapse on Jalan Hero should serve as a wake-up call, prompting the authorities to place public safety above political narratives.
After the incident, there has also been wider discussion in the Sibu community, including about enforcement standards, urban planning, and flood control management, along with calls for transparent investigations and sustainable infrastructure reforms to prevent similar tragedies from recurring.
This incident also prompted Tiong King Sing to recently criticize the Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government led by Sarawak Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, accusing the ministry of ignoring repeated calls for desilting and drainage improvements.
Subsequently, six SUPP branch offices also issued statements in response, questioning the former minister who approved the original construction of the building, instead of passing the blame to the current minister.
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