TAWAU: Tawau MP Datuk Christina Liew urged the of Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun to provide funds to the Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) for urgent rectification work at the Pasar Tanjung Tawau (Tawau Tanjung Market) housed at the UTC building in Sri Tanjung, here.
She made the call on Monday after visiting the market where a huge concrete beam was found to be badly cracked with exposed corrosive steel bars.
During the inspection, MPT engineer Sim Kwang Heng explained the nature of the structural damage to Liew, who was accompanied by the Tawau Parliamentary Chief Liaison Officer, Fung Thin Yein.
The MP said MPT needs to engage a technical forensic engineer to assess the extent of the beam damage and for overall inspection to determine whether the market building is safe for occupation, before commencement of repair and rehabilitation work.
However, Liew expressed concern that efforts by MPT might be hampered by a shortage of funds.
“The deteriorating condition of the beam poses a danger to vendors and visitors at the central market if no prompt action is taken by the local authorities.
“I appeal to MPT and the Minister of Local Government and Housing to act swiftly to rectify the problem in the interest of public safety. We do not want any untoward incidents to happen at the market.
“For now, the affected area has been cordoned off,” she told reporters after the visit.
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