KOTA KINABALU – Tired of waiting for the government to act, Sepanggar MP Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman took matters into his own hands by fixing hazardous potholes himself.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Azis shared that he had purchased a compact machine, also known as a plate compactor, to tar and fill potholes on roads in his constituency.
“I recently received dozens of road damage complaints, and I saw a video that went viral showing several vehicles damaged due to potholes on the road in the Sepanggar constituency.
“Like it or not, as a leader, I had to find a solution to this issue. This is not a move to garner votes or sympathy from the people, because those who have followed me on Facebook know that I am not a seasonal leader who only goes on the ground when the election is near,” the Warisan politician said.
Azis stressed that it is not his duty as an opposition MP to solve such problems, when in fact the government should be responsible for repairs.
I have repeatedly raised the damaged road problem, even in the Parliament session. But they (state government) control the funding, and the allocation did not go to me.
“But I understand that the Sabah state government might not receive a sufficient allocation from the federal government. Hence, I made the decision to act myself with funds and machinery that I acquired myself,” he said.
Azis, who is Warisan Youth chief, said that the problem is serious as it involves the safety of road users.
He said fatal accidents caused by damaged roads can affect anyone regardless of their political party, race, or religion.
This is our role, together,” he added.
Last week, Azis shared that he had gathered volunteers who used spray paint to mark potholes in the Menggatal and Inanam areas, near here.
A couple of days later, the Public Works Department started repair works, which Azis said encouraged him to continue marking potholes in the future.
Recently, a video where a woman could be seen highlighting punctured tires caused by potholes in the Telipok area had gone viral on social media.
PKR deputy information chief Razeef Rakimin had also commented on the video yesterday, criticising Sabah Works Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin for allegedly ignoring the problem.
Razeef pointed out that potholes and damaged roads are an issue throughout Sabah, but Bung Moktar – who is Sabah Umno chief – appeared busy with Umno leaders and party-related matters.
“Bung Moktar is still busy with BN’s ‘blue wave’ campaign to face the coming general election. Will this blue wave cover the potholes on the road? Where is Bung Moktar’s responsibility in this matter?” he said. – The Vibes, September 14, 2022
