KUNAK: Several streetlights along the Federal route at the Simpang Empat roundabout – Kunak-Tawau and Kunak–Lahad Datu – are currently under the supervision of the Public Works Department (PWD).
Kunak District Council Executive Officer, Mohd Nazri Pintal, said the maintenance of streetlights at those locations were formally handed over to PWD since 2021“All the streetlights at the mentioned areas were handed to PWD four years ago,” he told Daily Express, recently.
“I was informed that there are 13 streetlights previously maintained by the Council which are now fully under PWD’s responsibility,” Nazri said.
Nazri was responding to a post on the “Orang Kunak” Facebook community page highlighting concerns over non-functioning streetlights at the Simpang Empat roundabout.
The blackout has left the area in darkness at night, raising safety concerns among road users.
Long grass around the roundabout and road shoulders further obstructed visibility. Several accidents had been reported due to poor lighting at the location in the evening.
In one recent incident, a doctor serving at Kunak Hospital had a narrow escape when the doctor’s vehicle skidded at the roundabout.
Road users urged the relevant authorities to resolve the issue, pointing out that the faulty streetlights have been neglected for a long time.
Nazri confirmed that his office had referred the matter to Kunak PWD for further action.
“Complaints we received from the public have already been forwarded to PWD for follow-up,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nazri clarified that the Kunak District Council remains responsible for streetlights along Kunak Spur Road beyond the main gateway to Kunak town, as well as those on state and municipal roads.
“For areas under the council’s jurisdiction, our technical unit handles all maintenance, and regular inspections are carried out to ensure the facilities function properly,” he added.
