Who knew a simple pothole would anger the whole nation?
After Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, took a fall while cycling, Malaysians were angry not at the minister but at JKR’s immediate response to his tweet.
Not only apologising but they also managed to fix the hole within a day of the incident. Netizens called out the double standards as when a common Malaysian has a similar accident, JKR just plainly ignores them. In response to these claims, Director-General of the Public Works Department (JKR) Datuk Mohamad Zulkefly Sulaiman released a statement on 28 December saying that JKR Malaysia takes these comments seriously.
“JKR is always striving to do their best to monitor the condition of all roads in the country with every complaint received taken as a priority to ensure road users are safe and comfortable.”
He added that JKR practices a “no wrong door policy” and they have eleven channels for the public to direct their complaints which are as follows:
- https://aduan.jkr.gov.my/
- Phone (+603 – 2610 8888/ 2618 9000)
- Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) at kkr.spab.gov.my
- Complaint Email at aduan.jkr@1govuc.gov.my
- Communication Email at komunikasi.jkr@1govuc.gov.my
- Media
- Verbal complaint (by going to the JKR office)
- Letter
- Malaysia Government Call Centre (MyGCC)
- Public Complaints Bureau at pcb.spab.gov.my
Zulkefly said regardless of whether it is a Federal, state or council road, each complaint will be channelled to the relevant party for action to be taken immediately.
Khairy Jamaluddin after sustaining some injuries over the pothole.
He ended his statement by thanking all the District Engineers and social media admins who were extremely responsive to each complaint. Zulkefly also thanked netizens and JKR’s strategic partner RakanKKR that acted as eyes and ears to provide information regarding roads.
On the other hand, however, Khairy Jamaluddin has said that JKR should not be paying attention to potholes only because he’s a minister. Speaking to Berita Harian, he said that while he thanks JKR for their quick action, they shouldn’t be taking this issue seriously only because he’s a person in a high position.
What do you think of this statement from JKR? Let us know in the comments section!
Also read: “There was no apology when he died!” M’sian Calls Out JKR For Only Caring About Politicians
