Azman: In 2020, Klang Municipal Council’s Pothole Rangers responded to 1,854 complaints involving 429 roads.
POTHOLE Ranger Misron Kasim has been repairing bad roads for more than 35 years.
Misron, 56, works at Klang Municipal Council’s (MPK) Engineering Departmen’s maintenance team.
The father of six, who is MPK pothole ranger team’s unit leader, job scope involves keeping signboards updated, removing shrubs, which can cause obstructions as well as road maintenance.
The Kapar-born Misron derives satisfaction knowing he is keeping the roads safe for motorists.
He is assisted by road miller M. Ravi Kumar, 37, and flagman Kumaran Vengumany, 38.
“The three of us go out to fix small potholes. We use cold mix asphalt, the most basic of asphalt that does not require heating.
“It is used to repair uneven road surfaces, cracks and potholes, ” he said.
Ravi said heavy rain was one of the reasons for road damage.
MPK Engineering Department director Zamri Othman said the pothole rangers often repaired and resurfaced roads in the wee hours of the morning.
“Our men work hard on the graveyard shift and people often do not see them but they help keep the municipality roads safe and contribute to smooth traffic movement.
Zamri said MPK was working round the clock to patch up potholes while private construction firms and Klang JKR would be told to begin road repairs too.
Klang JKR district engineer Syaharidanisman Mohd Johanis said the department’s Road Unit would conduct an immediate survey and follow up with prioritised repairs based on the severity and danger posed.
“Our men will work to repair all roads that are damaged, ” he added.
Klang Municipal Council (MPK) Engineering Department (road and bridges section) engineer Azman Wahid said the council had spent RM1.65mil in 2019 for road repairs and RM1.63mil last year to fix potholes and resurfacing.
“In 2020, our workmen had to respond to 1,854 pothole complaints involving 429 roads.
It was challenging as October, November and December saw continuous rain that damaged roads.
“Utility companies often dig up the road and fail to repave according to the required standard, leading to uneven surfaces, ” he added.
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