JOHOR BARU: A metre-deep sinkhole along Jalan Kempas, Taman Megah Ria here is causing a lot of problems for local residents especially during rush hour.
The 5m-wide hole located just across SJKC Chee Tong formed about two weeks ago.
The local council has since sealed off the area with yellow tape but have not rectified the situation.
Zainal Ahmad, 63, said he had to take a longer route to send his son to school every morning.
“Despite the fact that I am living in Jalan Jelatang which is just a few kilometres away, I have to leave home early to avoid being stuck in the area which becomes very congested because part of the road has been sealed off,” said the retiree.
Property agent Tan Ping Chye, 54, whose son is studying at SJKC Chee Tong, said that he is afraid the hole will get bigger if no action is taken.
“The hole is not only an issue for motorists, I am concerned pedestrians including children may fall in,” he said, adding that he had to leave early too to drop his son off at school.
Abdul Halim Mohamad Dawam (pic), 52, said that initially the local council had covered the hole.
“Some of the residents have already lodged complaints with the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) but so far nothing has been done,” he said.
Bukit Batu assemblyman Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said this is the second time Jalan Kempas is facing erosion issues.
“I urge the authorities to conduct a geological survey of the area,” he said, adding that the previous hole occurred along the same road too.
When contacted, MBJB public relations officer Mohd Firdaus Abdul Hamid said that the council would take action soon.
“The hole was caused by land movement.
“Residents need to be patient as our engineers said they need time to rectify the matter,” he said.
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