Scrap-laden lorry blamed for potholes in Sibu back lane, safety fears raised

SIBU (Feb 3): A heavy lorry believed to be laden with scrap metal has allegedly caused two potholes along the back lane of shophouses near Lorong Ulu Oya 11B, raising safety concerns among traders and members of the public in the area.

A coffee shop operator who noticed the damage this morning said the potholes pose a serious hazard to vehicles and passers-by, especially motorists and pedestrians who frequently use the narrow lane.

“This back lane is used daily by customers, delivery vehicles and residents.

“The damaged road surface is like a deadly trap waiting to cause an accident,” he said, adding that the situation is particularly dangerous at night or during rainy conditions when visibility is poor.

According to him, the lorry had earlier passed through the lane before the damage was discovered, and its heavy load is believed to have caused the road surface to cave in.

He urged the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), which has jurisdiction over the area, to take immediate action to inspect and repair the damaged road to prevent any untoward incidents.

“I hope the local authority will respond quickly before someone gets injured or a vehicle is damaged,” he said.

Residents and business operators in the area are also calling for stricter monitoring of heavy vehicles using back lanes not designed to support excessive loads.