I AM happy to read of Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Kah Ting suggesting that local governments be awarded ‘star-ratings’ for their services to the public (The Star, Jan 19).

With this step, Ong has shown that the Government is sensitive to the problems faced by the people with their local governments.

At times, we find that local authorities seem to forget their duty to provide basic amenities to the people.

For example, we are having problems with solid waste collection in our housing estate Taman Seri Impian (phase 2) Bukit Mertajam under the jurisdiction of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council.

The collection of rubbish is not being done according to schedule. Last year, after numerous complaints, MPSP decided to collect rubbish twice a week.

From November until today, the rubbish has been collected once in six to seven days. Complaints have been made to MPSP via e-mail and on the phone.

OSMAN SHAMSUDDIN,
Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

Source: The Star – January 31, 2008