Kota Kinabalu: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud has raised safety concerns over poor lighting along a stretch of road near Bandar Sierra after several vehicles were reportedly damaged by an object believed to have fallen from a heavy vehicle.
The issue gained attention after a TikTok user uploaded a video on Wednesday night showing her vehicle rim damaged after hitting the object, while claiming that four other vehicles also suffered tyre damage at the same location.
In the video, the user showed what appeared to be debris from a heavy lorry or truck on the road, saying the area was too dark for motorists to clearly see the obstruction while driving.
Responding to the complaint in a video uploaded on Thursday, Mustapha, who is also Sepanggar Member of Parliament, contacted Public Works Department (JKR) officials and called for immediate measures to improve lighting in the area.
During the discussion, a JKR official said permanent street lights at the location had already been installed and that the matter was currently in the process of obtaining approval for electricity supply connection.
The official said efforts would be made to find an immediate electricity source to enable the lights to be switched on temporarily while awaiting full approval, adding that damaged lights would also be repaired.
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Mustapha urged the authorities to expedite the process to reduce the risk of further accidents, particularly in critical dark stretches of the road.
The minister also said he was prepared to discuss the matter with the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) Chief Executive Officer if necessary to help speed up the approval process.
He added that he planned to conduct a site visit after returning the following day and hoped the street lights would already be operational before then.
In a separate post, Mustapha expressed frustration over the delay in activating the street lights, saying requests had repeatedly been made for the lamps to be switched on.
“What if it were one of our own family members involved? This is a responsibility entrusted to them. Why wait until there is an accident before rushing to turn the lights on?” he said.
