Authorities must clear obstructions, set up maintenance schedules
Road signs are put up to guide the public, especially drivers, so that everyone knows where they are going and which direction to take.
Yet, in many parts of our country, these important signs are fully or partially hidden behind trees, bushes or wild overgrown plants.
This reflects a lack of maintenance.
Foliage around signs should be regularly pruned and cleared, but this basic work is not being done.
This is a serious safety issue that puts lives at risk.
When signs are blocked, drivers cannot see them from far away or read them clearly in advance.
They only notice the sign up close. By then, it is often too late to slow down, change lanes or turn safely.
This forces people to make sudden, sharp turns or unexpected stops, directly leading to road accidents.
This creates difficulties for senior citizens.
Many older people are not comfortable using navigation apps like Waze.
They still depend entirely on road signs to find their way and reach their destinations safely.
When those signs are covered up, we are leaving our seniors confused, lost and exposed to greater risk on the roads.
Most troubling of all: this issue has been raised many times but the authorities have turned a deaf ear.
Pruning trees and clearing plants around road signs is basic, routine work.
It does not cost huge amounts of money, nor does it require complicated planning or long delays. It is a basic duty that has simply been ignored.
We urge the authorities to carry out a full inspection of all road signs, clear the foliage blocking them and set up regular maintenance schedules to keep signage visible.
Do not wait for serious accidents to happen before taking action.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur
