Sabah government is ramping up efforts to repair pothole-ridden roads following growing public outcry and the tragic death of a motorcyclist in Lido.

Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmy Yahya said district engineers and road concessionaires have been directed to act swiftly.

“We have instructed JKR district engineers and relevant concession companies to take more proactive and prompt measures to tackle the potholes that are surfacing from time to time,” he said.

Shahelmy added that concessionaires have increased the number of repair teams to accelerate the process.

The minister’s statement comes amid public frustration highlighted by a viral campaign led by social media user Kratos Ragnarok, who marked potholes with white paint to warn road users.

“Since the district and municipal councillors from GRS and Pakatan Harapan in Sabah are not doing their job… the white-marked potholes are meant to help drivers and motorcyclists avoid them until the authorities repair all potholes,” Kratos wrote.

The initiative has sparked a broader debate about the government’s handling of road maintenance.

Sabah’s Budget 2025 allocated RM424.53 million for road construction and upgrades. However, critics argue that the amount falls short of the RM1.8 billion estimated to address the state’s road problems.

While the government has committed to intensifying pothole repairs, questions remain about long-term solutions and the accountability of road maintenance concessionaires.

For now, Sabahans are left watching and waiting as efforts to seal the potholes intensify across the state. – February 6, 2025