'Don’t wait until PM comes to solve problems' - Anwar

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim advises relevant parties including departments and agencies under the government to act proactively in solving problems faced by the people without taking too long.

He said most problems could have been solved immediately, but sometimes it took time until a VIP was scheduled to visit the area.

“But this... only when the Prime Minister comes to visit then painting works start... there are many places like this.

"When they know the PM is visiting, the road repair works begin within 24 hours and the painting works could be done quickly, which means that it can be done, there is no need to wait for the Prime Minister to visit,” he said.

He said this during the launching ceremony of the “Kita untuk Kita” programme at the Kampung Baru Hicom People's Housing Projects (PPR), here, today.

Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Local Government Development Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

Anwar was commenting on the urban poor issues and problems especially in the PPR area.

He also cited an example of the damaged elevator issue at PPRs which affected the residents daily where they had to use the stairs instead.

"We have provided allocations for repairs in some places. For instance, when the elevator is broken, usually at the 10-floor flats, the residents have to take the stairs to go up.

"The issue is it takes a long process to fix the problem. So, I urge for matters like this to be expedited and approved.

"We will discuss with the residents on what are considered the priorities," he said.

Anwar today announced that an additional RM35 million allocation was provided to empower PPR communities around Klang Valley.

The additional funds will cover maintenance costs for areas in need. - AWANI