SANDAKAN: LDP Vice-President Chong Thien Ming said the recent joint operation to curb the illegal tapping of electricity and water supplies in Sandakan should be conducted monthly to achieve better results.
He said it was high time such operations were carried out regularly to curb the illegal activities, which have caused substantial financial losses to government agencies.
He noted that Sabah Electricity and the Sabah Water Department lose millions of ringgit each year due to illegal utility connections.
Illegal squatter settlements are among the main culprits.
Chong also called on the authorities to intensify efforts to demolish illegal squatter colonies, which are often associated with criminal activities such as drug trafficking, including the distribution of syabu and ecstasy.
He cited statistics showing that Sandakan has a high number of undocumented illegal immigrants.
“If decisive action is not taken, Sandakan risks becoming a town overwhelmed by illegal immigrants and future generations born without proper documentation,” he said.
In a separate development, Chong commended the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) for its ongoing efforts to improve the town through cleanliness initiatives and better street lighting.
However, he said Sandakan’s economic indicators remain weak, with factories closing down and investors leaving what was once one of Sabah’s strongest economic centres.
He called on the Sabah government to place greater emphasis on Sandakan’s economic recovery.
Chong also expressed confidence in the leadership of MPS president Datuk Walter Kenson, saying the council has laid a solid foundation by improving cleanliness and upgrading public lighting throughout the town.
He said the next phase should focus on revitalising key commercial areas to stimulate economic growth and attract new investments.