Yap (front, sixth left) gets ready to lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony. KUCHING (June 21): An allocation of RM200,000 under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) 2026 grant has been disbursed for further upgrading works on Kota Sentosa Hospital. This was announced by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap at a recent ceremony held to mark the completion of an earlier RTP project worth RM400,000 at the hospital. “This project may seem modest in scale, but its impact has been truly significant, addressing two critical needs of the hospital that have long required urgent attention,” he said. The completed project involved the construction of 40 new carpark spots complete with earthworks, bitumen-surfacing, carpark line painting, and drainage works, resolving a long-standing parking shortage for staff and visitors. Additionally, the occupational therapy and rehabilitation hall was comprehensively upgraded with full electrical rewiring, 11 new split-unit air-conditioners, new windows, a renovated stage and backdrop, a brick wall partition for an office and counselling room, and repainting throughout the facility. “These improvements have created a more conducive, safe, and comfortable environment for both staff and patients,” added Yap. The assemblyman also expressed appreciation to the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), the implementing agency, for completing the project on time and in accordance with the set specifications. “As the elected representative for Kota Sentosa, I remain deeply committed to fighting for more funding to ensure that our public health facilities are not left behind,” he said. Yap stressed that another RM200,000 would be channelled under RTP 2026 for additional urgent works on the hospital.

Tan Kai (left) inspects the facility during a recent visit to the market. KUCHING (June 16): The toilets at the Third Mile Market here will undergo upgrading soon, said Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai. He said this follows the appointment of a contractor by the council to carry out the necessary works. He said the decision was made after concerns were raised over the poor condition of the toilet, which had slow drainage and intermittent flooding due to a blockage in the floor trap and old drainage pipe. “The toilets are very old and urgent need of a complete upgrade. Hence, MPP secure funding under the BP1 allocation this year to carry out the project. “The project was tendered through an open tender process, and the tender was published on May 10 and closed on May 19. After a proper evaluation process, the contract was officially awarded today (June 16), and marks the project’s handover date to the appointed contractor. “The contract duration is five months,” he said in a statement today. Tan Kai said the upgrading works will include new toilet cubicles, new tiling, replacement of windows and doors, new ceiling, upgrading of sanitary fittings, plumbing works, a table top with hand wash basin and downlights for better lighting. Tan Kai assured hawkers and market-goers that the council was treating the matter with urgency, and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused during the construction period. He added MPP remains committed to improving public facilities under its care and delivering better service to the community.

Tan (centre) and others pose for a photo call after the meeting. KUCHING (June 26): The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has recorded an increase in assessment rate collection, with RM16 million collected as of June 2025, marking a 58.06 per cent collection rate, up from 57.47 per cent during the same period last year. Chairman Tan Kai, after chairing the MPP full council meeting yesterday, said the increase demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment to enhance revenue collection and community cooperation. “Arrears collection has also risen by RM189,000 compared to the same period in 2024. “MPP has implemented several proactive measures, including mobile counters, door-to-door programmes, SMS and email reminders, follow-up calls, and reminder notices,” he said, stressing that assessment rate revenue is crucial for sustaining services and development in Padawan. Payments can be made at all MPP counters, Service Sarawak locations, the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), the Kuching South City Hall (MBKS), Post Malaysia Bhd, H&L Supermarkets, and online via the Service Sarawak website, S Pay Global app, and PayBills Malaysia website. Ratepayers who have not received their bills are encouraged to update the contact details at MPP or Service Sarawak counters to receive digital copies. During the meeting, Tan also provided updates on infrastructure projects funded through the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris). A total of 121 projects under the Special Marris Road allocation, amounting to RM8.2 million, have been approved, with 47.1 per cent completed. Under the Special Marris Drainage allocation, 28 projects worth RM7.8 million were approved, with 32.14 per cent completed. Separately, 133 out of 411 routine maintenance projects across the council’s area have been completed. “The council reaffirms its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and timely project delivery to ensure maximum benefit for the community,” said Tan. He also warned private developers against carrying out earthworks without prior engineering approval, noting that companies must apply for road permits and clearly indicate routes for heavy vehicles, particularly when transporting construction materials. “Repeated damage to roads caused by heavy vehicles places a burden on public resources due to frequent repairs,” he said. “Non-compliance with Section 8A of the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1996 and planning regulations may lead to enforcement, including site closure. A non-compliant site was closed just last month as part of such enforcement efforts.” Moreover, MPP is also moving to regularise unauthorised advertisements within its jurisdiction. Tan stressed that all advertisements must follow council guidelines and by-laws to ensure public safety and preserve the townscape. “Violators may face a compound of RM1,000 under By-law 28 of the Local Authorities (Advertisements) By-laws 2012,” he said, adding that MPP is committed to working closely with business owners to support compliance and guide them through proper licensing procedures. On another matter, MPP will hold a free dog licensing, anti-rabies vaccination, and microchipping programme this Saturday at the Kota Sentosa basketball court parking lot. The first 50 dogs vaccinated, licensed, and registered with the council will receive a RM150 subsidy.