Ong Slams Poor Road Maintenance in Sabah

29 January 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President David Ong today called on the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address worsening road conditions across Sabah, warning that deteriorating urban roads are posing serious safety risks to the public.

Ong said the problem is no longer confined to rural areas, noting that major cities such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau are experiencing increasingly damaged roads.

“Roads in towns and urban centres are now in poor condition, causing daily inconvenience and endangering road users,” he said, attributing the situation partly to the poor performance of road maintenance concession companies.

He pointed out that potholes are frequently patched but the repairs fail to last. “After a short period, the same potholes reappear, sometimes in worse condition. In some cases, repairs only happen after months,” he said, questioning whether regular inspections are being conducted or only carried out following public complaints.

Ong also highlighted safety concerns arising from faded or missing road markings.

“In many areas, white road lines are barely visible or completely gone, especially at night or during rainy conditions. How are road users supposed to drive safely when basic markings are not properly maintained?” he asked.

He stressed that patching is ineffective once a road has reached the end of its asphalt lifespan. “Patching an old and worn-out road is only a temporary measure. Proper resurfacing is required to restore the road’s strength and safety,” he said, adding that repeated temporary repairs lead to higher long-term costs and waste public funds.

“Why are public funds being spent again and again on the same roads without lasting results? Where is the monitoring and accountability?” Ong said.

He further criticised road repair works being carried out during peak hours, causing traffic congestion and frustration. “Maintenance should be planned properly, and where possible, repairs should be done at night or during off-peak hours to minimise disruption,” he said.

Questioning the quality of materials used, Ong asked whether repairs are being carried out according to proper standards. “Quick patchwork solutions may look acceptable for a short time, but they fail quickly and do not address the real issue,” he said.

Ong announced that the LDP Infrastructure and Utility Bureau will begin gathering information on poor road conditions, starting with Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau before extending to other major towns in Sabah. He said the bureau will document damaged roads, recurring potholes and roads that require resurfacing, and submit its findings to the relevant authorities.

“Road users deserve safe, durable and properly maintained roads,” Ong said. “How long more must they wait for a system that works instead of short-term fixes that continue to fail?”