By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
The ongoing issue of sinkholes, potholes, and uneven road surfaces in Ipoh remains an unending nightmare.
This problem not only tarnishes the city’s infrastructure but also raises serious concerns about public safety.
While numerous reports from Ipoh Echo and Peraktastic have drawn attention to the issue, the question remains—are the measures being taken enough?
On July 25, 2024, Sinar Harian online reported a heartbreaking tragedy when a student lost his life after losing control of his motorcycle due to hitting a pothole, only to be run over by a car on the Ipoh-Lumut Highway.
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder that potholes are not a trivial issue; they can be life-threatening.
Unfortunately, local authorities often neglect the problem until accidents occur, at which point action is taken.
On the Ipoh Echo Facebook page, netizens have also expressed their concerns. Some have labelled sinkholes as a “deathtrap” that could claim lives if not promptly addressed.
Various comments were shared, including one from Ana Mariana, who recounted how her child, riding a Grab motorcycle at night in Klebang, encountered a large pothole that severely damaged the bike, rendering it unusable.
Kelvin Ewe also voiced his frustration with the ongoing sinkhole issue. He said every request for action from elected representatives had only resulted in responses like “in process,” particularly in the Menglembu and Lahat areas.
He questioned whether authorities would only take action after accidents occur and blame others.
Studies show that sinkholes usually happen due to underground drainage system failures, soil erosion, or weaknesses in the road’s foundation.
However, delays in identifying and fixing these issues often lead to even greater disasters. This clearly points to the failure of systematic road maintenance by the authorities.
Proposed Improvements Needed
Local authorities need to take more proactive steps in addressing this issue, especially the occurrence of sinkholes.
High-risk areas must be identified based on geological studies and drainage systems to detect potential sinkhole incidents. Mapping these areas is essential for early prevention.
The underground drainage system should be regularly inspected to ensure its functionality. Blockages or damage in these systems are often the leading cause of sinkholes.
Technologies like ground-penetrating radar can be used to detect voids or structural weaknesses in the underground infrastructure that may cause sinkholes.
Authorities must also provide an easily accessible public reporting platform for residents to report road damage or signs of potential sinkholes. This will expedite the repair process.
Furthermore, the management of the infrastructure maintenance budget should be more transparent and efficient. Priority should be given to areas requiring immediate attention.
Sinkholes are not just a technical issue; they reflect a failure in infrastructure management that can lead to loss of life.
Authorities must act swiftly and consistently to address this problem. Ipoh, as a city, carries a significant responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
