PADAWAN: Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin has assured the people that he is committed to promptly resolving the issue of slope failure along the Semedang-Bau Road and has called for discussions on the matter.
He expressed empathy for the residents’ plight, providing insights and updates on the situation.
In a Facebook post, he highlighted his efforts in notifying relevant authorities and clarified his role in advocating for the community and requesting assistance, rather than executing projects directly.
“After the slope failure incident in July 2020, I informed the engineer in the Kuching Public Works Department (PWD), Ir Bong Yan Phing,” he said.
“I also requested the Sarawak Director of the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia, Jaithish John, for a vulnerability study and soil investigation through my letter dated July 7, 2020.
“However, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent closures in various sectors, the soil investigation study report was received after the pandemic subsided,” he explained.
Willie noted that the key factors contributing to slope failures in the Puncak Borneo Constituency include high rainfall, extensive tree clearing near the road by landowners, which leads to soil absorbing high water content, the presence of underground springs, subpar culvert systems, and poor road drainage.
Simultaneously, he affirmed that he has continued to notify the Division Engineer about the application of Malaysia Road Record Information System (MARRIS) funds for recovery work.
On February 13, 2023, he said an official memo was sent by Ir Bong.
“I want to emphasize that the application process follows government procedures: starting with a field examination by divisional engineers, preparation of the cost estimation for recovery (BQ), submission of complete documentation to the PWD Sarawak Director’s Office, forwarding to the Kuching Division Resident’s Office, and finally, submission to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) for disaster fund approval.
“I have followed up three times with the new Kuching Division Engineer, Liew Ming Check. I also raised this matter in Parliament recently to expedite the road recovery and upgrade.
“The urgency for this road’s recovery was highlighted during the Sarawak State Development Coordination Committee Meeting on November 16, 2023,” he said.
As such, he said he understood that the funds have not been disbursed yet, as the MARRIS allocations are from the federal government, and any delay in fund disbursement affects state agencies like PWD in executing the works.
Willie then reiterated that as a parliamentary representative, they must legislate and voice the concerns of the people, seeking progress and assistance on their behalf.
“We are not implementing agencies. I hope the public understands the role of elected representatives vis-a-vis executing agencies. I will continue to do my best to ensure a prompt resolution of this matter.
“Lastly, I understand your frustrations, and I share the desire for a swift resolution. No representative wishes for their constituents to face hardships. I don’t mind the labels thrown at us, like ‘sleeping representatives’ or ‘earning a salary for nothing.’
“Only God knows what we go through and the constraints we face. I appeal to those who comment to do so responsibly, so their words do not come back to haunt them in the future,” he said.
