KUCHING – The much-anticipated upgrade of the Pending jetty, serving the riverside community of Kampung Muhibah, is rapidly approaching its final stages. The infrastructure initiative is currently on track to be fully operational by late August, promising enhanced safety and comfort for daily commuters.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Santubong, confirmed that the construction is approximately ninety per cent complete. The RM600,660 project, which initially commenced in February, is slated for final handover on 24 August.
The remaining construction phases are relatively minor but critical. They primarily involve the assembly of two additional jetty spans and the secure installation of access stairs. However, the final timeline remains contingent upon environmental factors, notably fluctuating river water levels and unpredictable weather patterns.
Addressing the media following a site inspection, the Minister expressed cautious optimism regarding the contractor’s progress.
“So far, everything is going smoothly and we hope that the contractor can complete this project according to schedule,” she noted.
She further elaborated on the environmental dependencies, stating, “If there are no significant weather disruptions, this jetty is expected to be completed and can be used by the residents within the specified period.”
This infrastructural renewal is of paramount importance to the local demographic. The jetty functions as a vital lifeline for residents of Kampung Muhibah and several adjacent villages, who rely heavily on river transport to access essential services, markets, and educational institutions. The upgrade also serves to restore public confidence in the crossing, particularly following the structural collapse of the previous facility in 2023.
Beyond mere connectivity, the reconstruction aims to elevate the overall commuter experience. By introducing modern, robust materials and improved boarding mechanisms, the project directly addresses longstanding concerns regarding passenger safety and accessibility during tidal changes.
While the river’s tidal patterns are generally predictable, the Minister acknowledged that sudden meteorological shifts pose the most significant risk to the construction schedule. The contractor has been advised to maintain operational flexibility to mitigate any potential delays caused by adverse weather conditions.
In a separate but equally significant development, Dato Sri Nancy also addressed a recent, widely circulated social media incident concerning a kindergarten in Langkawi. The case, which involves allegations of child neglect, has drawn substantial public attention and concern.
She clarified the jurisdictional dynamics of such facilities, noting that while the kindergarten falls under the regulatory purview of the Ministry of Education, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) retains a fundamental mandate to safeguard child welfare.
Consequently, JKM is actively collaborating with the Royal Malaysia Police and the local District Education Office to facilitate a thorough investigation. The department is preparing comprehensive child protection reports to assist law enforcement and potential judicial proceedings.
Highlighting the broader national context, the Minister revealed that over 300 cases of child abuse were reported at kindergartens and daycare centres across the country last year. This statistic underscores the critical need for vigilant oversight and stringent adherence to safety protocols within early childhood education environments.
The case in Langkawi is reportedly being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which pertains to offences relating to the ill-treatment, neglect, or abandonment of children.
In light of these events, Dato Sri Nancy issued a firm advisory to all childcare operators nationwide. She urged them to rigorously comply with all established child safety and welfare regulations.
Furthermore, she emphasised that operators must be prepared to temporarily suspend their facilities if directed by the relevant authorities. Such compliance is mandatory until investigations are fully concluded, ensuring that the fundamental rights and physical safety of children are never compromised.
Ultimately, the Minister’s recent engagements highlight a dual governmental focus. On one front, there is a steadfast commitment to delivering tangible, community-centric infrastructure that improves daily living standards in Sarawak. On the other, there is an unwavering dedication to enforcing robust protective measures for the nation’s most vulnerable demographic, ensuring that safety remains non-negotiable in all public and private spheres.
