Sarawak Metro urged to fix dangerous pothole near Emart Tabuan Jaya

KUCHING (Dec 13): Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd and its contractors involved in the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project have been urged to immediately fix a largepothole along the main road leading to Emart Tabuan Jaya.

Sim Kiat Liang, a special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, said the company and the contractors concerned must take full responsibility and act promptly to prevent further damage to vehicles and potential accidents.

He claimed that pothole has caused at least six vehicles to suffer punctured tyres or damaged rims on Friday night (Dec 12) alone.

“The area was dimly lit and lacked warning signs. One of the affected drivers had pulled over to change his tyre, and within just 30 minutes, several other vehicles hit the same pothole.

“If this continues, a serious accident could occur,” he warned in a statement.

Sim said the stretch of road falls under Sarawak Metro’s ART project area and, as such, the company and its contractors must be held accountable.

He said he had contacted the ART project contractor and requested their immediate presence. During the engagement, the person in charge promised to fully compensate the affected drivers and installed temporary barriers and warning signs to prevent further damage.

He also posted on social media to alert motorists of the road hazard.

Following this social media post, several drivers have reached out to him, reporting that their vehicles were also damaged at the same location.

He said he had compiled their details and handed them to the contractor for compensation.

Sim added that the contractor would carry out repair works and compensation arrangements on Saturday (Dec 13).

Commending the swift action taken, he stressed that such incidents must not be repeated.

“Public safety should never be compromised. Sarawak Metro and its contractors must ensure roads under construction are well-lit, properly maintained and that any hazards are immediately cordoned off or repaired. Negligence is unacceptable,” he stressed.

Sim also advised motorists to exercise caution and reduce speed when travelling along that stretch of road until it is completely repaired.