Limited view: A road sign blocked by other signage along Jalan Permatang Pauh in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Motorists dodge potholes, decipher obstructed signboards while navigating to their destinations
OBSTRUCTED, damaged road signboards, uneven roads, and potholes are safety hazards for motorists in Penang.
Areas affected by these infrastructure deficiencies include Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Jalan Pangkor and Jalan Tanjung Tokong on the island, as well as Jalan Permatang Pauh and Butterworth-Kulim Expressway on the mainland.
ALSO READ: Difficulties councils face in tree removal
Lorry driver Hafizul Azman, 26, said despite the wide use of global positioning system (GPS) technology, many drivers still relied on road signs to navigate, especially when driving on somewhat familiar routes.
“Overgrown trees, dense foliage and unkempt vegetation can severely obstruct the visibility of road signs, making it challenging for drivers to spot crucial information in time.
Poor tree maintenance results in a highway sign on Jalan Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam, being obscured, which could lead to motorists making last-minute turns. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
“The overgrown trees and obstructed signboards are also an eyesore,” said Hafizul, who regularly travels between the mainland and Penang island.
Civil servant K. Samy, 35, emphasised the importance of regular tree maintenance by local councils.
“It is dangerous (for other motorists) because drivers often make sudden lane changes when they see the exit sign at the last minute.
“This issue is especially problematic on high-traffic roads, where clear visibility is crucial for safe driving.
Hafizul says despite prevalence of navigation devices, many drivers still rely on road signs.
“Obstructed signs make it difficult for drivers to anticipate upcoming turns, exits or changes in speed limits, increasing the likelihood of accidents,” he said.
Samy, however, said he noticed some efforts being made by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to rectify these issues.
Factory worker Santanam Micheal, 67, expressed his concerns about the growing number of potholes and uneven road surfaces.
“I have noticed an increasing number of potholes and uneven patches, which are extremely dangerous for motorcyclists.”
He said the unexpected potholes were not only a safety risk but could also typically lead to tyre damage, misalignment or even accidents.
Santanam has noticed a rising number of potholes and uneven roads.
“We are seeing more potholes, especially after heavy rains.
“It is frustrating and costly when my motorcycle gets damaged, because I rely on it for work,” said Santanam.
Human resource executive Khoo How Khoon, 50, from Bukit Mertajam, said motorists faced the additional challenge of avoiding potholes while trying to navigate safely to their destinations.
She said that as a state aspiring to become a smart and safe place, it was crucial for Penang to ensure roads and public facilities were maintained to the highest standard.
Shoddy road repairs
Last month, Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) called on the state government to review road construction and maintenance standards in Penang, citing numerous potholes and uneven surfaces that posed significant risks to road users.
Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said a survey had identified several main roads in poor condition, including Jalan Thean Teik, Jalan Paya Terubong, Jalan Jelutong, Jalan Perak and Jalan Bukit Gambir, in addition to roads in residential areas.
“With the sharp rise in motor vehicles on roads, especially private cars on Penang island over the past decade, maintaining well-constructed and smooth roads has become more critical than ever,” said Mohideen.
He said contractors responsible for road construction and maintenance should be held accountable for shoddy workmanship that led to recurring issues such as potholes and uneven surfaces.
“The frequent recurrence of potholes and rough surfaces is clear indication that the work done is substandard,” he added.
Khoo says roads and public facilities need to be maintained to the highest standard.
Mohideen proposed that weekly road inspections become standard operating procedure for contractors to ensure issues were addressed promptly.
Drawing a comparison to Singapore, he emphasised the importance of maintaining roads in good condition, particularly as Penang anticipated a higher influx of tourists during holidays and festivals.
“Damaged roads not only pose a danger to drivers but also risk damaging vehicles, particularly the suspension and shock absorbers.
“Immediate remedial measures are needed to ensure that Penang’s roads remain safe and functional for all road users,” said Mohideen.
Challenges faced by councils
Speaking to StarMetro, MBPP councillor Koay Gaik Kee acknowledged some challenges faced by local authorities.
She said despite regular maintenance of tree branches by the city council, the trees’ rapid growth posed challenges.
“While we conduct regular maintenance, there are times when it may take longer than expected because of various factors including weather conditions.
“Overgrown branches can grow quickly in between scheduled pruning, and similar issues may arise in other areas as well,” she explained.
Koay highlighted that unpredictable weather often exacerbated the problem.
A damaged road sign along Butterworth Kulim Expressway near Tapak Ekspo Seberang Jaya.
“For example, during a recent heavy storm, the council received over 30 complaints about fallen trees in just one night.
“Such events add strain to our resources and require immediate attention from the relevant departments,” she said.
Once reports about tree conditions were received, Koay said the councillor would assess the situation and inform the relevant department to take action.
Councillors are responsible for ensuring the issue is resolved by the council, such as trimming tree canopies that are too heavy.
Regarding road maintenance, Koay said, “Some roads fall under Public Works Department, while others are under the supervision of the council.
“For roads managed by MBPP, any uneven surfaces or potholes are promptly patched by council staff.”
Potholes like this one at Taman Free School, George Town, pose a major hazard for motorcyclists.
She also emphasised the role of the community in highlighting issues through platforms like the Penang Safe WhatsApp group.
“This platform allows councillors to actively engage with local leaders and residents, ensuring that complaints are addressed efficiently,” she added.
MBSP, in a media statement, said once an obstruction was identified or a public complaint was received on covered signage, the city council or its contractors would trim tree branches and clear weeds to ensure signboards were fully visible.
“MBSP has a regular schedule for tree pruning and clearing weeds, especially in areas where vegetation grows rapidly or is near road signs.”
It said signboard repair and replacement was also a regular part of road maintenance.
“MBSP is also committed to addressing potholes promptly, especially those impacting road safety, by repairing them immediately when reported or identified.
“Uneven road repairs are prioritised based on severity and budget, with MBSP assessing and planning necessary repairs accordingly,” it said.
Signboard obstructed by traffic lights at Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu expressway near Gat Lebuh Cecil in George Town.
The statement said MBSP Landscape Department had a dedicated monitoring team to conduct regular inspections, handle resident complaints and plan necessary maintenance.
It said responses for fallen trees were coordinated by its Crisis Management Department and assisted by the Landscape Department.
MBSP can be reached during office hours at 04-269 6969 (emergency) or via its 24-hour, toll-free line 1-800-88-6777 or aduan@mbsp.gov.my
As for Penang island, MBPP said in a statement, “Any branches or leaves obscuring signs will be trimmed, while damaged, faded or incomplete signs will be promptly repaired or replaced.”
It said MBPP had an annual allocation of about RM7mil to address road issues caused by weather, heavy traffic, and road excavation activities.
It said the annual resurfacing work was carried out on problematic roads according to a priority list, based on the approved budget.
To address pothole issues, MBPP has set a key performance index requirement that repairs be completed within 24 hours of receiving public reports.
Roads under MBPP’s jurisdiction are maintained according to three categories: routine maintenance, periodic maintenance and emergency work.
MBPP also said it had set up a monitoring team under its Engineering Department to oversee MBPP-owned infrastructure such as roads, drains, traffic signs, ensuring repairs are promptly made.
Motorists can file complaints through the Pearl e-Aduan MBPP system or call the MBPP hotline at 04-263 7637/ 04-263 7000.
