Let potholes be: Proper repair needed, not good intentions, says Perak MB

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad.

IPOH: Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad has urged members of the public not to take it on themselves to patch potholes on roads here.

He said there were certain specifications to adhere to when fixing potholes, which might worsen if repairs are not carried out properly.

“All construction has its own specifications. By taking matters into their own (the public) hands, it might make things worse. Minor damage could lead to greater problems, plus it is also dangerous, ” he told reporters at the state secretariat building here on Tuesday (Dec 29).

Saarani said the state Public Works Department was working hard to resolve road problems in the state, including potholes.

“The department has recorded stellar performance, having resolved up to 97% of the 705 complaints received on road issues.

“There are only 18 cases left in Kinta district and one case each in Kuala Kangsar and Kampar” he said, adding that local councils in Perak had also taken quick action.

“Local councils such as the Ipoh City Council are quick to fix these issues," he said.

“For small potholes, they would wait for a few more (to appear) and repair them at all once to lessen the cost.

“Pothole issues are an ongoing matter and there will be complaints from time to time. We will do our best by taking immediate action, ” he added.

On Sunday (Dec 27), Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin suffered injuries after his bicycle hit a pothole in Banting, Selangor.

The accident sparked debates among Malaysians who were unhappy with the condition of certain roads in the country, including potholes that could damage vehicles or cause accidents.