Sabah to use AI for road maintenance

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect road defects, potholes, and sunken patches, following a successful pilot project in Selangor, according to Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.

The initiative, expected to launch this year, aims to enhance road maintenance efficiency and reduce costs.

Shahelmey stated that the decision was made after discussions with concession companies and district engineers across the state.

"We believe this technology will improve efficiency in road maintenance and, in the long run, lower overall costs," he said in a statement on Saturday.

He emphasised that technology alone is insufficient; concessionaires and contractors must take a proactive role in maintaining state, federal, and district council roads to prevent accidents.

Despite financial constraints, Shahelmey assured that the Public Works Department would prioritise road maintenance to prevent further deterioration.

"We acknowledge the financial limitations, as I have repeatedly stated in the State Legislative Assembly. These constraints have caused delays in necessary road repairs. However, lack of funds cannot be an excuse for neglect. Potholes and other hazards that endanger road users must be addressed immediately," said the Deputy Chief Minister III.

Shahelmey called for stricter enforcement of routine maintenance, noting that concessionaires and PWD district teams are already responsible for patrols.

He urged them to strengthen their efforts and ensure that repairs are carried out efficiently.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, in his New Year message to civil servants, directed PWD to intensify road repair efforts.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by a recent fatal accident in Jalan Lido, where a man in his 30s lost his life after hitting a pothole.