Mr. Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap, Chairman of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (Miri Division) and Supreme Council Organising Secretary, expressed anger and disappointment over Miri Mayor Adam Yii’s claim that the Miri City Council’s seizure or confiscation of durians from unlicensed roadside hawkers was carried out “in accordance with standard operating procedures.”
“I do not dispute the City Council’s statutory authority to enforce the law and maintain public order. However, laws enforced without common sense, discretion, and basic human compassion will only become instruments of oppression rather than governance.
“These durian hawkers are not criminal syndicates, not traffickers, and certainly not threats to national security. They are poor Sarawakians striving honestly to earn a living to feed their families, buy milk for their babies, and pay their children’s school fees. If the City Council considers confiscating durians a proud achievement, then the benchmark for ‘effective governance’ in Miri has fallen to a dangerously low level.”
He also questioned whether “confiscation” was truly the only solution. “Are warnings not sufficient? During the durian season, the City Council should provide more temporary trading areas or short-term permits so these hawkers can survive.” He further questioned whether the City Council finds it easier to exercise power against society’s most vulnerable, those with no ability to fight back.
More puzzling or perhaps conveniently ignored, is the Miri City Council’s selective enforcement.
“While poor hawkers are dealt with swiftly and harshly, what about those who illegally place obstacles in parking lots to reserve parking spaces and block public access? These acts are blatant, repetitive, and clearly visible. What actions have been taken? How many habitual offenders have been warned? How many have been named or fined? Or are these offenders somehow more ‘acceptable’ simply because they are not poor?”
He demanded that the Miri City Council show evidence of its enforcement actions, rather than merely issuing statements. “Transparency is not a slogan, it is an obligation.”
“Governance is not about punishing the poor while turning a blind eye to the daily violations of others. True leadership is measured by fairness, compassion, and consistency, not by how many baskets of durians are confiscated.”
He also urged the Miri City Council to reassess its approach, halt harsh enforcement against small hawkers, and adopt policies that balance enforcement with humanity.
“Sarawakians deserve a city council that governs with conscience not one that governs solely by a rulebook.”
Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap
Chairman
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (Miri Division)
