White-painted potholes have begun appearing on roads in Kepayan, Moyog, Jalan Lintas, and Penampang, in what is being described as a bold act of protest of a Sabahan fed up with poor conditions of roads in the state.
Kratos Ragnarok took to Facebook to express his frustration following a fatal accident caused by a pothole in Kepayan on February 3.
Pothole kills motorcyclist in Kota Kinabalu
“Recently, a tragic incident occurred that claimed the life of an innocent person. May his soul Rest In Peace!” Kratos wrote in his post.
He added, “Since the district and municipal councillors from GRS and Pakatan Harapan in Sabah are not doing their job and are failing to pressure the Public Works Department (JKR), the white-marked potholes are meant to help drivers and motorcyclists avoid them until the authorities repair all potholes.”
GRS refers to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah. GRS and Pakatan Harapan are ruling political groups in Sabah.
The markings, which serve as warnings to road users, have sparked debate over whether such actions violate local by-laws.
Authorities consider unauthorized markings on public property as graffiti.
However, many see this is being more than vandalism; it is a desperate form of protest aimed at saving lives.
The death of a motorcyclist in Lido, Kepayan, after hitting a pothole has amplified public anger, with many calling for accountability from the government.
“We deserve better and safer roads in Sabah,” Kratos said, echoing the frustrations of countless netizens who are demanding urgent action to address the state’s deteriorating road infrastructure.
While authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the campaign, the white-painted potholes have become both warnings for motorists and symbolic protests against government inaction.
Read the Straits Times story here:
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-man-places-banana-tree-in-pothole-to-get-authorities-to-repair-the-road
In February last year, Mahathir Aripin decision to plant banana trees in a pothole ridden road in Jalan Sandakan-Lahad Datu received widespread attention, prompting news outlet like Singapore Straits Times to report about it. – February 5, 2025
February 4, 2025.
