ROAD safety must never be compromised, particularly in the execution of public infrastructure works that directly affect daily road users, according to Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said contractors granted permits by local authorities such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall frequently fail to prioritise public safety when carrying out roadworks, including excavation for pipelines, utilities and other infrastructure.
While acknowledging the importance of such projects for development, he warned that their implementation often raises serious concerns.
“Roads that have been dug up are often not properly restored. Temporary patching works are carried out carelessly and do not meet standards, resulting in uneven surfaces, small potholes and hazardous conditions.
“This situation is a major threat to the safety of road users, especially motorcyclists who are more exposed to the risk of accidents due to damaged and unsafe road surfaces.
“This situation not only reflects the negligence of contractors, but also highlights weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement by the local authorities that approve these permits,” he said in a statement.
He stressed that local authorities must recognise that issuing permits comes with a significant responsibility to ensure that works are conducted safely, systematically and in accordance with established standards.
“There is no room for complacency when the lives of road users are at stake.
“Road users have the right to safe and well-maintained roads at all times. Development should not come at the expense of public safety.
“We urge all stakeholders to take immediate and firm action before more accidents occur.
“Safety must be prioritised — without compromise,” he said.
Among the measures proposed are stricter monitoring of all roadworks by local councils, clear and enforceable safety standards for both temporary and permanent resurfacing, immediate rectification of hazardous road conditions, and firm penalties including fines, blacklisting and permit revocation for non-compliant contractors. - May 3, 2026
