MBI carries out temporary repairs following reports on injuries
DAMAGED and unstable drain covers across Ipoh, Perak are sparking safety fears after viral photos of deteriorating grilles in Greentown Avenue triggered widespread public concern.
Salesperson Norhidayah Fadilah, 34, suffered injuries to her left leg and arm on June 27 when her motorcycle tyre caught on a broken drain cover in Greentown Avenue, causing the bike to fall on her and scratch a parked car.
She noted that the metal grilles had been deteriorating since 2019, leaving dangerous gaps.
“My motorcycle tyre got stuck in the damaged drain cover, causing me to lose control ... it fell on top of me,” she said, adding that her injuries still hurt until today.
Norhidayah reported the hazard to the Ipoh City Council (MBI) on June 28, but the city council’s online complaints system indicated repairs would take time.
She claimed that others had also been hurt, including a child whose leg was trapped and an elderly woman whose wheelchair got stuck.
“I don’t want anyone else to suffer more serious injuries,” she said.
Parking attendant Meor Mohd Azrin, 37, warned that the worsening metal grilles posed a severe hazard due to the daily heavy traffic.
“Many people may not notice the damaged drain cover until it is too late, putting them at risk of falling or damaging their vehicles,” he said, urging authorities to carry out “proper and durable repairs.”
Private driver Iszlan Adli Iskandar Zulkarnain, 27, only realised the hazard after driving over it.
“I got out of my vehicle to inspect it and was shocked by its condition,” he said, adding that while his tyres escaped damage, he now avoids the route entirely.
Urging authorities to replace the covers with stronger steel grilles, Iszlan advised road users to stay clear until permanent repairs are made.
Checks by StarMetro found a similar problem at Persiaran Cempaka Sari 26 in Taman Cempaka.
A local resident, identified as only Tan, in his 70s, said he had to replace his car bumper after driving over damaged concrete edging along Persiaran Cempaka Sari 26, which he passed through daily.
Tan, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years, said he had lodged several complaints with the city council but had yet to receive a response.
He hoped the authorities would take the matter seriously and implement a permanent solution to address the poor road condition.
Student Abdul Wafiy Abdul Malik, 19, said the broken concrete surrounding the drain cover there also posed a risk to commuters, particularly student renters.
“Many road users, especially motorcyclists, have to swerve to avoid the drain cover because it is uneven and unstable,” he said, warning that a collapse could cause a serious crash.
Abdul Wafiy urged MBI to replace the damaged structure with a more durable concrete design to prevent recurring issues.
Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng confirmed that MBI inspected the Greentown Avenue site on July 13 following social media posts.
She said MBI received only one official complaint and no formal reports of injuries or vehicle damage.
“As an immediate measure, MBI appointed a contractor to carry out temporary repairs by replacing the damaged steel structure sections beginning July 22,” Ng said, adding that safety barriers were installed while awaiting permanent repairs.
For a long-term solution, MBI plans to replace the cover with a cast iron grating or heavy-duty concrete.
“The work will take time because the components need to be fabricated according to the specifications set,” Ng said, citing repeated heavy vehicle loads as the likely cause for the damage.
Preliminary checks also indicate that the drain sits on a private lot boundary, and MBI is verifying ownership.
“If the drain is confirmed to fall under the responsibility of the privately owned lot, the council will issue a notice under the provisions of the law.”
Regarding Persiaran Cempaka Sari 26, Ng said MBI received five complaints, although inspections showed that the damage was limited to the concrete edging while the grating remained intact.
Repairs on the edging began July 22.
“Public safety remains our top priority,” Ng said, encouraging residents to keep reporting hazardous infrastructure so local authorities could take prompt action.
