Public flats: Don't twist my statement - Sultan Ibrahim

JOHOR BAHRU - Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has warned several parties not to turn his statement on the condition of the public flats in the state into a political issue.

"This is not a new thing. Previous government also knew about the condition of these public flats in Johor," he said.

Sultan Ibrahim said he had to speak up and refer the issue to the Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming because the people are now blaming the local authorities (PBT) and the state government.

The Sultan said the quality of work by SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (SWM), as a company responsible for cleaning work and garbage collection was not satisfactory, especially in the public flats.

"There is no political element in this issue, so don't politicise it.

"The previous governments did not care about this issue. It is unfortunate that the Unity Government has to bear responsibility for the issue now," he stressed while also expressing appreciation for commitment shown by Nga who came to see him on Monday.

Sultan Ibrahim also expressed his disappointment over poor condition of buildings, maintenance work and the level of cleanliness of the public flats in the state.

He said most of the public flats in Johor were in poor condition and surrounded with garbage and as if the people were living in 'chicken coop'.