KOTA KINABALU:The worsening condition of roads across Sabah has raised serious concerns over public safety, maintenance standards and accountability, according to Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President Davie Ong.
He said the issue is no longer confined to rural areas, with major cities such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau experiencing deteriorating road surfaces that disrupt daily travel and pose risks to road users. Ong pointed out that pothole repairs often fail within a short period, with the same sections deteriorating again, raising questions about the effectiveness of maintenance works and inspection systems.
He also highlighted the problem of faded or missing road markings, which compromise safety, particularly at night or during rainy conditions. According to him, simple patchwork repairs are insufficient for roads that have exceeded their asphalt lifespan, and proper resurfacing is required to ensure durability and safety.
Ong further questioned the repeated spending of public funds on temporary repairs that do not deliver long-term results, calling for stronger monitoring and accountability of concession companies responsible for road maintenance. He added that repair works carried out during peak hours contribute to traffic congestion and should instead be scheduled during off-peak periods.
The LDP Infrastructure and Utility Bureau will begin collecting data on damaged roads and recurring potholes in major towns before expanding the effort statewide. The findings will be submitted to the relevant authorities to demand immediate action, proper repairs and stricter enforcement against underperforming contractors.
“Road users deserve safe, durable and properly maintained roads. The public should not have to endure repeated short-term fixes that continue to fail,” Ong said.-BNN
