Azlan Othman
In 2022, the Ministry of Development (MoD) received 55,448 complaints through Darussalam line 123.
Complaints pertaining to water supply interruption topped the chart of grievances, followed by damaged roads in second place, and drainage and sewerage issues in third.
Some 47,808 complaints (86.22 per cent) have been resolved, while 7,640 (13.78 per cent) have remained open.
Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid said this at the 19th Legislative Council session yesterday.
Water supply disruptions accounted for 62 per cent (34,743 calls) of the complaints.
So far, 96.99 per cent of complaints have been resolved, while 698 complaints (1.95 per cent) are still pending.
The ministry through the Department of Water Services has drawn up initiatives to reduce water supply problems such as the replacement of old pipes through the OCAR project/National Development Plan; and increasing monitoring by increasing the frequency of water sample collection in affected areas.
Other steps also made include managing, maintaining and inspecting water tanks as well ensuring regular and scheduled cleaning of tanks nationwide to ensure that the problem of yellowish or muddy water can be kept under control.
Meanwhile, 8,693 complaints were received on roads, 69 per cent of which have been repaired, while 31 per cent have yet to be resolved. The complaints included damaged and potholed roads, non-functioning traffic lights, fallen trees, blocked drains, long grass, stagnant water, flooded roads, damaged signs, guardrails, drain gratings and manholes, faded road lines and requests for the safety mirrors, humps and zebra crossings.
For road damage complaints, 3,828 are still waiting to be resolved.
The majority of complaints received are on damaged and potholed roads, requests to asphalt junction roads, said the minister, vowing that the ministry will work to improve the road network through provisions available.
The Department of Roads also often receives complaints about damaged traffic lights with 18 per cent (2,794 complaints) comprising faulty traffic lights.
“The department tries to deal with complaints immediately to smooth the flow of traffic, especially during peak hours.
“In regards to the issues of electricity supply to traffic lights, the MoD will liase with the Department of Electrical Services of the Department of Energy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Drainage and Sewerage (DDS) received 3,023 complaints (5.45 per cent), with the majority related to blocked and damaged sewerage, of which 2,765 complaints (91.4 per cent) have already been repaired.
He added, “The department has taken initiatives such as actions to repair broken pipes and repair or replace pumps and mechanical and electrical equipment; installing or replacing anti-theft fences for pump stations and sewage treatment plants; and upgrading main sewerage pipes and the capacity and facilities of pumping stations and sewage treatment plants.
“Other measures include updating the requirements and specifications of sewer design and maintenance according to best practices and the latest requirements.”
