Johor Bahru: The Works Ministry (KKR) is advocating for the establishment of a standardised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the swift repair of state and municipal roads, particularly in cases of severe damage. This initiative is inspired by the existing approach for federal roads.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan highlighted that the current SOP for federal roads mandates repairs of damaged and pothole-ridden roads within 24 hours. "It is hoped that with the SOP, any damaged or pothole-ridden roads can be repaired promptly. Concessionaires are also urged to ensure cleanliness and upkeep along the roadside, not just the middle of the road," Ahmad Maslan stated during a visit to a temporary flood relief centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Perdana.

The visit was also attended by Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi and Mahkota state assemblyman Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah. Ahmad Maslan was commenting on a recent tragic accident in Kota Tinggi, Johor, where two students lost their lives after their motorcycle hit a pothole. He noted that a detailed investigation into the incident is currently underway and is expected to conclude soon.

Ahmad Maslan emphasized the necessity for frequent road monitoring, especially during the rainy season. He remarked, "Today, we inspect a road and find it in good condition, but after heavy rain, it could be damaged by the next day."

In the context of state flooding, Ahmad Maslan expressed the need for additional allocations to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage. This would facilitate more frequent maintenance of rivers and drains. He also urged the expedited completion of flood mitigation projects announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to prevent unusual flooding incidents.

Syed Hussien echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of speeding up flood mitigation projects to prevent major floods in the Mahkota state constituency, where over 600 residents have been impacted. "Various programmes have been planned to help ease the burden of flood victims, especially in celebrating Syawal..today we distributed festive wear to children affected by the floods," he added.