Commercial centres in Miri still raise a stink

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(From second left) Lee, Kok, Hii, Chai and Chin (right) with local residents during the meet-the-people session at Taman Yakin.

MIRI: The standard of cleanliness in commercial centres here is still far from satisfactory, especially when it comes to stinky drains clogged with rubbish.

Local residents are appealing to traders, especially restaurant and coffee shop operators, to take the matter seriously by not throwing food waste down the drain.

A ‘Majulah Miri’ volunteer, Councillor Bruce Chai, said a host of complaints had been received about the dirty surrounding of Pelita and Boulevard commercial centres.

“Our meet-the-people session (last Saturday) received a lot of complaints regarding the cleanliness in these two areas. The drains are really dirty and must be cleaned immediately,” he said.

He added that residents in the area also complained about the littered surrounding of the rubbish facility centre at Taman Selera, which is a popular destination among tourists as well.

Bruce said there was also a proposal for designated smoking areas in all coffee shops for the benefit of non-smoking customers.

“We would also like to request food outlets, cafeteria and cafe operators to ensure the cleanliness of their premises for health reasons, apart from the comfort of the customers,” he pointed out.

Among other issues raised at the session were potholes at Pujut 4, Pujut 4c and Pujut 3C roads, requests for additional street lights at Jalan Acacia 2A at

MDL Garden and the missing rubbish bin at Canada Hill jogging area.

The Miri City Council was also requested to talk to the owner of a vacant lot along Jalan Bulan Sabit to gain permission to trim several trees on the lot which have overgrown onto the road.

Also present at the meet-the-people session were local businessman Datuk Hii King Chiong, Majulah Miri volunteers, Political Secretary Suzanne Lee, Councillor Keith Chin and Councillor Kok Yung Kaii.

Majulah Miri operates through three service centres, namely Hii King Chiong Service Centre, Hii and Chin Service Centre as well as Chin Chai and Kong Service Centre.

Through their meet-the-people sessions, the volunteers help gather complaints and issues from residents and forward them to the relevant authorities and agencies for appropriate action.