IPOH: The Ipoh City Council needs to take heed of the recent walkabout by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia along Jalan Gallagher in Kuala Lumpur recently to address its issues, says Perak MCA.
Its publicity chief Chung Kok Heung (pic) said Ipoh faces similar problems with uncleared drains, trash piling up, mosquito breeding grounds, and an increasing number of homeless people sleeping on sidewalks and five-foot ways, and in markets.
"This not only affects the city’s image but also reflects poorly on our social care system.
"His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim’s surprise walkabout in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting clogged drains and roadside refuse, is a commendable demonstration of leadership and deep concern for public health and urban hygiene,” he said in a statement on Monday (July 14).
"We urge the city council to follow His Majesty’s lead in addressing not just cleanliness, but also the long-standing issue of homelessness.
“Our King has shown us the direction. It’s now time for our leaders to respond with action, not just rhetoric.
ALSO READ: King walks 3.2km to inspect KL's Jalan Gallagher, highlights litter, clogged drains
"The people deserve more than lip service – they deserve a government that truly serves,” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim had on Saturday (July 12) walked some 3.2km of Jalan Gallagher to inspect the cleanliness there and called on the local authority to take immediate action.
A clean-up operation was conducted by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall following the visit.
Chung said that the issue with homeless folk should not be dismissed or ignored.
He said there needs to be a coordinated, multi-agency effort involving the Social Welfare Department, local councils, non-governmental organisations and community organisations to develop mid- to long-term solutions.
"These include establishing temporary shelters, rehabilitation and job placement programmes, as well as mental health and social counselling support.
“A city’s true civility is not judged by its buildings, but by how it treats its most vulnerable people.
"Ipoh’s ambition to be a liveable and tourist-friendly city would remain an empty slogan if basic hygiene and social care issues are not addressed," he added.
