Monitor safety aspects on road-related works - PPIM

A lack of monitoring and coordination by the authorities on road and road-related works, coupled with the negligence of contractors are endangering the lives of road users, according to consumers association.

Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) chief activist, Datuk Nadzim Johan has therefore, urged local and federal authorities involved to be more strict in monitoring safety aspects and coordinating such projects to avoid costly accidents and loss of lives.

Yesterday, the public was jolted by an accident where a car was accidentally driven into a 13-metre pit by an 86-year old in Petaling Jaya.

"Generally, in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, there are numerous life-endangering, unconcealed potholes and manholes left over from years and years of construction that are possible threats to road users.

"As a country with a progressive status, this should not be happening but unfortunate for us, Malaysians, we have to deal with these issues and its consequences every day," he said.

Nadzim said one of the initiatives that can be taken by local and federal authorities was a stricter and more careful coordination and planning of works to be undertaken.

"A centralised system would be best to coordinate such works. For example, contractors may register and report to the authority months before the works needs to be done and the local authorities should set a specific time-frame for the job to be done by all the contractors within that time period."