SANDAKAN: Liberal Democratic Party Vice President Chong Thien Ming lambasted the Sandakan Public Works Department for its continued neglect of road users’ safety, accusing the department of turning a deaf ear to repeated complaints regarding overgrown vegetation along road curbs that obstruct rainwater flow into drainage systems.
Chong said complaints have been lodged since last year, yet no action has been taken to clear the vegetation.
He expressed serious concern as Sandakan has been experiencing continuous heavy rainfall over the past week, resulting in alarming flash floods in several areas, including Batu Sapi and Mile 16.
“As an MPS councillor, I have personally received public complaints and have raised this issue repeatedly during monthly council meetings since last year,” Chong said in a statement, here, on Tuesday.
While road lining works were eventually carried out after the issue was highlighted, the core drainage problem remains unresolved.
Chong pointed out that Lintas Utara, stretching from BDC to Mile 7 and passing through Bandar Prima and Bandar Nasalim, is a high-traffic route used daily by residents.
During heavy downpours, water pools along the curbs because rainwater cannot flow into the drains due to unchecked vegetation growth.
He added that numerous potholes have appeared along the route, further endangering motorists. These potholes are often hidden by pooled rainwater, posing serious danger, especially at night and during rainy conditions.
Chong also highlighted the poor condition of street lighting along Lintas Utara.
“Even on the matter of street lighting, I had no hesitation in reporting to the MPS President on the risks drivers face when travelling at night,” he said.
He said street lighting repairs are currently being carried out phase by phase, but progress has been hampered by severe vandalism, particularly damage to underground wiring along Lintas Utara.
“These combined issues, poor drainage, potholes and inadequate lighting, have resulted in numerous accidents along this stretch of road,” Chong stressed, questioning why such basic maintenance work has been left unattended.
“Clearing overgrown vegetation, repairing potholes and ensuring proper lighting is not road construction or infrastructure development; it is basic maintenance. Why is it so difficult to carry out?” he asked.
Chong added that the situation not only poses a danger to motorists but is also an eyesore for road users along Lintas Utara and the Federal Road, raising concerns over the image of Sandakan, especially as tourists increasingly share their experiences on social media.
He urged Sandakan PWD to act more responsibly, emphasising that the issue involves public safety and lives.
“This is a matter of life and death. It is high time we work together to beautify Sandakan and ensure the safety of our people through proper cooperation among all relevant agencies,” he said.
