KUCHING – Residents of Jalan Arang and nearby neighbourhoods had the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to government agencies during the successful Community Dialogue Programme hosted by Batu Kitang assemblyman YB Datuk Ir Lo Khere Chiang at the Taman Mewah Basketball Court on Saturday.
The programme, held from 9.00am to 12.00pm, attracted about 100 residents who gathered to discuss issues affecting their daily lives while receiving direct feedback from the relevant authorities. The initiative brought together representatives from the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Housing Development Corporation under one roof.
Speaking during the programme, Lo said the dialogue was organised to strengthen communication between the government and the community by providing a convenient platform for residents to raise issues, seek clarification, and receive updates without having to visit multiple agencies separately.
He said the four participating agencies were chosen because they handle the matters most frequently raised by residents in the Jalan Arang area.
Residents took the opportunity to discuss a wide range of local concerns, including road conditions, traffic management, drainage maintenance, assessment rates, street lighting, tree maintenance, water supply, housing matters, public safety, and other neighbourhood issues.
Lo explained that municipal-related matters such as road maintenance, drainage, and street lighting continue to be among the most common concerns received by his service centre. By having MPP officers present, residents were able to obtain immediate explanations and updates regarding ongoing and future improvement plans.
Water supply issues also received significant attention during the dialogue. Residents shared concerns regarding discoloured and muddy water experienced in parts of the area. Representatives from Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd explained that flushing works have been carried out in stages, resulting in noticeable improvements in water quality. The agency also answered questions from residents and provided further information on the measures being taken to improve the water supply system.
Meanwhile, officers from PDRM responded to questions related to neighbourhood safety, crime prevention, and public security. Residents were encouraged to continue working closely with the police by reporting suspicious activities and strengthening community cooperation to maintain a safe living environment.
Housing-related matters were addressed by officers from the Housing Development Corporation, particularly issues involving residents of Taman Flora Indah. According to Lo, the housing area consists of approximately 570 residential units accommodating around 800 households, making housing management an important issue for the local community.
For concerns that could not be resolved immediately, representatives from the respective agencies explained the necessary procedures and outlined the next steps required to achieve longer-term solutions. This helped residents better understand how various government processes work while providing greater transparency on ongoing efforts.
MPP councillor Gerald Goh described the programme as an important step in bringing the government closer to the people.
He said the best solutions begin by listening to the community, adding that the dialogue was about working together to address issues that matter most to residents. He also stressed that every resident’s voice is important in helping build a better community.
Goh said the strong turnout reflected the community’s willingness to participate in discussions that could improve their neighbourhood. He added that the dialogue successfully created a direct communication channel between residents and government agencies, allowing people to raise concerns, seek clarification, and receive updates on issues affecting their everyday lives.
He noted that the programme reaffirmed the importance of open communication, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the government and the people. Through continuous engagement and collaboration, practical solutions can be developed to create a stronger, more responsive, and better-connected community.
Lo also expressed his appreciation to all participating agencies for their commitment and willingness to meet residents face-to-face. He said such cooperation demonstrates the government’s dedication to serving the community and resolving local issues effectively.
He added that programmes like this not only help resolve existing concerns but also strengthen relationships between residents and government agencies, contributing to a safer, cleaner, and more liveable Jalan Arang for everyone.
