Latest news with #SibuMunicipalCouncil
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Borneo Post
SMC chairman raises alarm over surge in dog bite cases in Sibu
A recent photo of dogs roaming in a commercial area in Sibu. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 26): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting has voiced deep concern over the alarming number of dog bite incidents in the district, which reached approximately 300 cases last month. Quoting data from the Ministry of Health (KKM), Ting revealed that the majority of the dog bites were inflicted by pet dogs owned by individuals, not strays. 'According to KKM's data, there were 216 cases of dog bites involving pets owned by individuals, whereas stray dogs were responsible for 74 cases in April. 'I am deeply concerned with the high number of dog bites incidents here. These are recorded cases when victims sought treatments in hospital or clinics. 'What about those that did not seek treatment? So, the number of incidents may be higher,' Ting told reporters after SMC's full council meeting today. He further pointed out that the statistics translate to an average of 10 people bitten by dogs every day. 'On average, about 10 persons got bitten by dogs every single day. This is unacceptable. This is a very big concern,' he cautioned. In this regard, Ting urged the public to continue working with the council to reduce the number of dog bites. 'You should confine your pet dogs to your house compound. If you need to let it out, ensure your canine is on a leash.' Additionally, he explained that in Sarawak, the enforcement of responsible dog ownership is governed mainly by local authority by-laws under the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and supported by public health regulations. 'The Sibu Municipal Council (Licensing of Dogs) By-Laws contains clauses that: limit number of dogs per household (especially in urban areas), require dogs to be confined within the owner's compound and penalize owners of dogs causing nuisance or injury.' Clarence Ting dog bites lead rabies sibu municipal council
The Star
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
13 deaths, nearly 700 accidents on Sibu roads from January to April
Abang Mohamad Porkan checking a motorcyclist's helmet at the launch of the Sibu Division Road Safety Campaign on May 23. SIBU: A total of 683 road accidents involving 13 deaths were reported in Sibu between January and April, says Division Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman. "This is an alarming figure, more than just data – it represents a lost family, a stalled future, and a grief that cannot be replaced," he said at the launch of the Sibu Division Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with the upcoming Gawai celebration on Friday (May 23). The campaign, which aims to raise public awareness on road safety, involves members of the community, law enforcement agencies, and transport authorities. Abang Mohamad Porkan, who also chairs the Sibu Municipal Council and the division's Road Safety Council (MKJR), stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility that requires behavioural change among all road users. 'Without a shift in attitude – such as avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, adhering to speed limits, and refraining from mobile phone use on the road – all our efforts will come to nothing," he added. Abang Mohamad Porkan also reaffirmed MKJR's commitment to improving road safety through continuous engagement and strategic planning. Regular meetings with agencies such as the district urban transportation and mobility action committee and the district public transport committee are being held to tackle issues surrounding public transportation and road safety more effectively, he said. As the festive season approaches, he reminded road users to stay vigilant and responsible behind the wheel to avoid further loss of life.
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DUN sitting: Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed, increasing councillor numbers for local authorities
Dr Sim Kui Hian KUCHING (May 20): The Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been passed to increase the number of councillors in several local authorities across Sarawak. These include the Kuching South City Council and Miri City Council, as well as three municipal councils: Sibu Municipal Council, Padawan Municipal Council, and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council. The number of councillors for each of these councils will be increased from 30 to 33, excluding the Mayor and Deputy Mayor (for city councils) and the Chairman and Deputy Chairman (for municipal councils), said Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. The latest amendment to the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996 [Cap.20] was made in 2020, he said in his winding up speech upon the passing of the Bill after its third reading at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. 'After five years, it is necessary to update the Ordinance to reflect current developments and amend the provisions to meet present-day changes and expectations,' he said. 'Currently, there are 27 councils in Sarawak under my Ministry including the newly created councils namely, Gedong District Council, Sebuyau District Council and Siburan District Council. All of these 27 councils are practising the councillorship system in their administration to serve the public and community in their respective jurisdictions,' said Dr Sim, who is also Deputy Premier of Sarawak. 'As the population grows particularly in areas under the jurisdiction of major councils such as City Councils and Municipal Councils, the needs of the constituents become more diverse and complex.' 'It is essential for local representation at the community level be increased to better serve the needs of the people,' he insisted. He said the amendments to Sections 10, 10A, and 11 of the Ordinance were intended to facilitate this increase in councillor numbers. He added the amendment to Section 172A on the other hand, is to empower the State Cabinet (or Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri) to amend all the schedules in the Ordinance. The roles and functions of councillors have increased tremendously in recent years, as the public expects them to solve problems or issues on the ground expeditiously beyond ordinary working hours, he said. 'The City and Municipal Councils are currently overburdened by various workloads, resulting in slower response time which triggers dissatisfaction of the people toward services rendered by the councils. 'By increasing the numbers of councillors in major councils, it will ensure grassroots participation, community engagement and more effective service delivery to the people,' he added. 'Councillors play a vital role in local governance and policy-making. They are responsible for ensuring that local priorities and needs are reflected in council decisions,' he said. 'They monitor council services, follow up on complaints, push for improvements, and uphold service delivery standards. The councillorship system promotes inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring that development is people-driven and locally relevant,' he added. 'In conclusion, with the passing of this amendment Bill to increase the number of councillors, we can better meet public expectations for efficient and effective local government services.'
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
SMC inspects public toilets at Sibu's Zone B areas
Yiing (second left) checks the window pane inside the toilet at Kutien Garden. SIBU (May 20): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC)'s Public Health, Environment and Municipal Services Committee inspected public toilets at seven locations under Zone B yesterday. Its standing committee deputy chairman Councillor Yiing Sy Huat noted some improvements were necessary for these facilities. 'For instance, the public toilet at Kutien Garden – the sink is broken and the window panes need to be cleaned. 'In Permai, the toilet's walkway area needs to be fenced up, and there is a crack in the urinal, which can pose dangers to users. 'As for the facility at Sibu Express Bus Terminal, the OKU toilet needs to be labelled and there is a crack on a door in the women's toilet, in addition to non-functioning exhaust fans,' he told reporters when met yesterday, stressing that improvements were also necessary for the toilets at Foochow Park, Rejang Park, Bandong, Bandong Food Court and near the Sibu Central Prison. Photo shows the broken sink inside the toilet at Kutien Garden. He added that inspections had been carried out on the toilets in Zone A previously. 'Contractors need to adhere closely to the 'BMW' – 'Bersih', 'Menawan', 'Wangi' (Clean, Attractive, Fragrant) guidelines. 'Marks will be deducted for not toeing the line, leading to deduction in contract fees,' said Yiing. hygiene lead maintenance public toilets sibu municipal council
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bukit Assek rep calls for proactive local governance at SMC's Aidilfitri event
(From left) Mohammed Abdullah, Clarence, Chieng, and Raden Khairulzaman visit one of the stalls serving traditional village-style dishes that evoke nostalgic memories of Hari Raya in the old days. SIBU (April 30): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) plays a vital role as the frontline of government in delivering essential services and engaging with the community, said Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek. Speaking at the opening of the Hari Raya Nostalgia 2025 celebration hosted by SMC at Dewan Baitulmal Sibu last night, Chieng emphasised the importance of proactive and efficient governance at the local level. 'We must always be proactive, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people. I believe that with strong teamwork and dedication, we can transform Sibu into a progressive, clean, and compassionate town,' he said. Chieng praised the council for organising a meaningful programme that not only fostered unity but also revived cherished traditional and cultural values. 'Celebrations like this are special because they remind us of our roots and bring people closer together, even in today's more modest and modern settings,' he said, before delivering a nostalgic Hari Raya poem that evoked memories of oil lamps, village celebrations, and heartfelt togetherness. Meanwhile, SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley highlighted the council's role in strengthening community spirit through festive and social initiatives. 'The theme 'Hari Raya Nostalgia' brings back memories of a simpler village life — peaceful evenings without gadgets, just laughter, stories, and love,' he said. He also shared the council's ongoing efforts, including the Borneo Cultural Festival, New Year celebrations, community sports, and the establishment of the SMC Child Council, which provides a platform for youth leadership and civic engagement. Mohammed Abdullah added that the Resident Council System (RCS), introduced in 2019, continues to serve as a structured avenue for residents to voice local concerns effectively. 'We will soon announce the appointment of area councillors who will serve as dedicated liaisons between the community and SMC,' he said, stressing the need for grassroots involvement in local governance. The event featured cultural performances, traditional Hari Raya songs, and festive delicacies that recreated the warmth of celebrating Aidilfitri in a village setting. Among those present were SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh; Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Joshua Ting, Private Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Stanley Chiew, Temenggong Stanley Geramong; SMC secretary Yong Ing Chu and organising chairman Cr Raden Khairulzaman Raden Bustari. Joseph Chieng Jin Ek lead sibu municipal council
