Potholes, cracked tarmac, and poorly maintained roads are a frustratingly common experience for Malaysian drivers. While often seen as a mere inconvenience, the reality is that these issues pose a significant risk to both road safety and personal finances. The core of the problem, according to the Works Ministry (KKR), is a severe funding shortfall that hampers its ability to keep our infrastructure in optimal condition.

The Personal Price of Poor Roads

For many, the cost of damaged roads is direct and painful. An executive at a multi-national company, who only wants to be known as Irene, recently experienced this firsthand when a drive home took an expensive turn. After hitting a deep pothole on a major highway, she was left with a shredded tyre and a hefty bill.

“It was a sudden, jarring hit that I couldn’t avoid in traffic,” Irene recalled. “I never expected a simple drive to end with a RM1,200 bill just to replace one tyre and check the alignment. It’s a huge, unexpected expense that really highlights how poor road conditions can directly impact your budget.”

The danger is often magnified at night. Hasan Nair, an auditor at a local company, faced a similar situation while driving near the Subang Airport.

“It happened so fast, especially in the dark. I was driving home from the Subang Airport area when the car suddenly hit a pothole,” Hasan said. “The next morning, I realised the rim was bent, and it cost me RM500 to get it repaired.”

A Budget Too Small to Fill the Cracks

These personal experiences are symptoms of a much larger national issue. According to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, road damage is primarily caused by factors like heavy rain, extreme heat, overloaded vehicles, and the natural lifespan of the roads themselves.

Speaking on Bernama TV, he explained that while roads typically need major maintenance after 10 to 20 years, the ministry is facing a critical shortage of funds. “To properly maintain roads this year, we need RM4 billion. However, we only received RM2.2 billion – a shortfall of RM1.8 billion or 45%,” he said.

The Economic Cost of Bad Roads in Malaysia

The impact of underfunded road maintenance extends far beyond individual repair bills. Poor road infrastructure carries a substantial economic cost for the nation, particularly through traffic congestion and vehicle damage. A 2020 report by Prasarana Malaysia estimated RM20 billion in national congestion costs annually.

The scale of road damage also points to significant vehicle maintenance costs borne by the public. According to the Works Ministry, over 55,800 potholes were reported nationwide in 2024 as part of JKR’s road maintenance efforts. While a detailed breakdown by road category is not available, each reported case represents a potential repair cost for drivers, highlighting the hidden financial burden of poor road conditions.

More Than an Inconvenience: The Link to Road Safety

Poor road conditions are a direct contributor to accidents. Based on data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), 13% of road accidents are caused by road conditions, such as potholes, the absence of road markings, and inadequate lighting.

While human error remains the main contributor at 80%, factors related to the driving environment cannot be ignored. With the annual death toll from road accidents remaining high at around 6,000, addressing road conditions is a critical component of improving national safety.

A Digital Solution for a Physical Problem

To help channel public feedback more effectively, the ministry launched the MyJalan mobile application in August 2023. This platform allows the public to easily lodge complaints about damaged roads under a ‘no wrong door’ policy. Reports that fall outside the ministry’s direct jurisdiction are forwarded to the appropriate agencies, ensuring that every complaint is directed to the right place for action.

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• TAGS:
• Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan
• Govt Finances
• Pothole
• Road Safety
• Underfunded Roads