SEREMBAN: The next time a local authority fails to act on a complaint from the public, go right to the top – the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

According to its minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, the Cabinet will intervene to solve the problem. “It may be a burst pipe left unattended or illegal land clearing going undetected for a long time, all these reflect poor administration,” he said.

The minister said he and his officers would carry out spot checks on receiving the complaints. Warning the authorities to buck up, Ong said: “Treat this as an open reminder. “If you feel that something is not right, initiate measures to rectify the problems immediately. Don’t wait for us to come and teach you what to do.”

Speaking at the opening of the municipality consultative committee meeting here yesterday, Ong said all councils must strive to improve on their level of competitiveness and be responsive to public needs.

He conceded that the local councils were facing numerous constraints in their work. “That doesn’t mean that we can afford to slow down or compromise on certain things. “Let’s be honest and put our heads together as I believe we can make a difference,” he said.

He said something must be very wrong if a burst pipe was left unattended for days. On the implementation of the one-stop centre, he said some local councils were not adhering to the guidelines.

Ong said that so far, only half of the local councils had submitted feedbacks on its effectiveness.

“This concept must be given due importance by all local councils in line with the Federal Government’s aims to reduce red tape and improve services,” he said, adding that they would also get feedback from the public on the system.