SEVERAL sections of the treacherous Sandakan-Lahad Datu road have generated a good deal of attention after videos showcasing its deteriorating conditions went viral due to the countless potholes along the massive 174km stretch.
With its numerous potholes and crushed embankments, its condition is so bad that it is dubbed as “Jalan Bulan” (moon-surface road) in Malay.
An investigation reveals that the road, especially at Kg Jaya Baru in Kinabatangan district, had been constructed on soft soil, making it susceptible to structural issues and road embankment failure.
Local residents, including 30-year-old Iwan Sultan, has observed the worsening conditions of the road, dating back approximately two years.
Sabah recorded heavy rainfall and widespread infrastructural damage in 2022.
But Iwan said the damage is more pronounced now.
It especially worsened just a month after the Agong passed through the road in September last year during an official tour, he said.
Iwan pointed to the soft soil beneath the road, emphasising that repair efforts have proven to be insufficient.
“The road was not as bad as it is now. Previously, concessionaires would come around within a week or two weeks’ time to seal off the potholes,” he said during a visit by The Vibes.
“At one time, the road had also undergone a large-scale repairs, but that did not last long,” he added, indicating the road’s easy susceptibility to being damaged.
Loss of life
Kg Jaya Baru is connected by the road to Sandakan and Lahad Datu.
Repair works have been initiated on specific damaged sections near the village.
Three of these potholes spanned between 10m to 30m each.
This came about after a rubbish truck driver tragically lost his life while trying to avoid a pothole while driving a truck near Sentosa Jaya, some 12km from Kg Jaya Baru.
The Sandakan-Lahad Datu road, flanked by expansive palm oil plantations, sees huge trailers fitted with large bins driven through the stretch in Kinabatangan.
It is easy to spot how the road surface has been abused as its crooked alignment can be evidently felt and seen while driving over the road.
Residents say these are caused by overloaded vehicles.
Ahmad Ajis, a resident, expressed concerns about the impact of overweight vehicles on the road’s integrity.
He emphasised the need for better enforcement to prevent road damage caused by excessive loads.
Concessionaire’s work
Sabah Public Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya acknowledged the deteriorating condition of the road but pointed out that routine concessionaire responsibilities do not cover conditions like embankment failure.
He expressed disappointment that the Pan Borneo Highway works here have been delayed since 2018.
“Now, with the condition of road structure really deteriorating, we are hoping the implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway will commence this year.
“Nevertheless, while waiting for projects to be awarded, the concessionaire will do the necessary repair works on the road in order to have it safely passable,” he said.
Shahelmy also noted that many Sabah roads have exceeded their lifespan and require substantial upgrading works.
In June 2022, The Vibes had reported on then state deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s response to public complaints on a 6.4km stretch called “Jalan Bulan”. He assured that it would remain toll-free provided Sabahans were patient.
The longstanding grievances concerning the road were seen as emblematic of Sabahans’ frustrations with the generally poor conditions of roads in many parts of the state.
There have been numerous instances of drivers experiencing burst tires and vehicle damage caused by potholes, earning the road the moniker of Jalan Bulan to reflect its uneven surface. – The Vibes, January 21, 2024
