Negeri Sembilan: Gas pipeline safety, the assurance of uninterrupted water supply, and efforts to strengthen the education sector were among the key issues raised during the debate session of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yew Boon Lye (PH-Chuah) called for regular inspections of gas pipelines in several areas across the state to ensure public safety, following the recent gas pipeline fire incident in Putra Heights, Selangor. Yew emphasized the incident as a warning about the risks associated with rapid development and urged utility companies to conduct comprehensive audits of existing pipelines, underground cables, and systems. He advocated for stronger cooperation between local authorities and the Fire and Rescue Department to ensure utility maps are updated and high-risk zones identified.
Kamarol Ridzuan Mohd Zain (PN-Paroi) also stressed the importance of gas pipeline safety, particularly in Sendayan, Seremban, and Port Dickson. He proposed a safety mitigation plan that includes a ban on open burning within high-risk zones and the installation of clearer route markers along pipeline routes.
Meanwhile, water supply improvements were highlighted by Yew and Abdul Fatah Zakari (PN-Bagan Pinang), particularly in industrial areas. Yew pointed out the necessity of a reliable water supply for the industrial development of Chuah, Port Dickson. He questioned whether Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan (SAINS) has plans to ensure sufficient water distribution capacity in line with the Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 development.
Abdul Fatah suggested that SAINS introduce a more responsive system, including a mobile application for public complaints to ensure prompt action on water-related issues. He noted the need for improvements in the standard of maintenance work to assure the public that water-related issues will be effectively addressed.
In terms of education, Suhaimi Aini (BN-Kota) proposed that the Ministry of Education and the State Education Department focus more on academic excellence and strengthen the implementation of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme at both primary and secondary school levels. He highlighted the integration of STEM with TVET to produce a skilled generation proficient in global languages.
Muhammad Sufian Maradzi (BN-Seri Menanti) recommended that government-linked companies in the state contribute to strengthening education by organizing free supplementary classes for students preparing for major examinations.
The state assembly sitting is set to continue tomorrow.