SEVEN major roads in Kuala Lumpur will be resurfaced this month as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) ramps up preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026.
In a statement to StarMetro, DBKL said the works would cover Jalan Ampang, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Kuching, Jalan Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Expressway and Sultan Iskandar Expressway.
Resurfacing works on other roads in the city centre and tourist hotspots are also ongoing and will continue in phases.
DBKL said several roads upgraded during Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship last year would continue to be monitored for quality.
Apart from large-scale resurfacing, the local authority carries out corrective and preventive measures for city roads.
“Corrective maintenance is carried out based on daily patrols and public complaints received through channels such as Adu@KL, WhatsApp and e-mail.
“Minor defects are repaired directly by DBKL teams to prevent further damage, while more serious issues are handled by appointed contractors.
“For preventive maintenance, resurfacing works are carried out according to scheduled programmes implemented in phases, with input from MPs and Residents Representative Councils (MPPWP).”
DBKL said it monitored resurfacing works before, during and after implementation to ensure they met specifications, including material quality, weather conditions, traffic management and workmanship.
“This includes ensuring the premix temperature meets the minimum requirement of 140°C, the machinery is properly calibrated and road thickness complies with specifications.
“Coring tests are also carried out after the works are completed to check the quality.
“If the works do not meet the required standards, enforcement action may be taken.”
It added that this could include issuing notices, compounds, repair instructions and suspending extensions for excavation permits until defects were rectified.
“All resurfacing works come with a 12-month defects liability period, during which contractors must repair any defects at their own cost.”
DBKL receives about 7,000 road-related complaints each year through Adu@KL, ranging from potholes and faded road markings to damaged signboards and faulty traffic lights.
While complaints can also be sent to DBKL’s WhatsApp number (011-6239 6652), the public is encouraged to submit complaints through Adu@KL for faster processing.
Regarding response times, DBKL said road maintenance and repair works were carried out based on strict timelines and performance standards.
“For potholes, temporary patching is usually carried out within 24 hours, subject to weather and traffic conditions, while permanent repairs are completed within seven days.
“Road resurfacing and line marking are carried out based on scheduled programmes and the severity of damage, in line with service-level agreements and performance targets set under maintenance contracts.”
The Star recently reported that 54,055 road damage complaints were lodged through the MyJalan app between August 2023 and January this year.
According to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan, 16,671 complaints, or 30.8%, involved federal, highway and state roads under the ministry’s jurisdiction.
Of these, 15,160 cases have been resolved, while 1,511 are still under investigation.
He had said that complaints involving roads outside Public Works Department (JKR) jurisdiction would be forwarded to the relevant ministry or agency.
The remaining cases are channelled to the appropriate authorities under the “No Wrong Door” policy.
Authorities have identified five main factors contributing to road damage: extreme weather conditions, overloaded heavy vehicles, ageing infrastructure, poor pavement quality and weak reinstatement following utility works. — By BAVANI M
