Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President David Ong claimed the worsening city-wide blackout of street lighting has plunged large swathes of Kota Kinabalu into darkness for months, putting lives at risk and shaming Sabah’s capital on the global stage.
Calling for immediate intervention, David said months of unanswered complaints and total official silence have turned basic public safety into an afterthought.
“Residents have been crying out for help for months, yet roads grow darker by the week. This is no longer poor maintenance — it is gross negligence that endangers every single road user,” he said in a statement.
“Despite dozens of formal complaints to City Hall, Sabah Energy and related agencies since the start of the year, barely 15pc of reported faulty lights have been fixed, checks reveal.
“Dark zones now stretch across high-traffic routes, including parts of Jalan Tuaran, Lintas, Jalan Kepayan, Penampang bypass and residential hubs from Luyang to Menggatal,” said the statement.
Even more alarming, David said dozens of utility and lighting poles — dented, tilted or split apart after collisions and shoddy installation — have been left leaning dangerously over pavements and traffic lanes for up to six months.
Hence, he demanded authorities stop hiding behind vague excuses and come clean.
“Is this because contractors are not monitored? Are we cutting power to save costs? Is there no budget, no staff — or are theft and vandalism going unchecked? The public pays taxes — we have an absolute right to straight answers.”
The crisis came into sharp focus just last weekend during the prestigious Borneo International Marathon, when thousands of local and overseas runners navigated unlit stretches along the coastal highway and near the airport. Marshals were forced to use handheld flashlights while runners stumbled over uneven kerbs.
“Visitors flew in from 30 countries. They saw our capital in darkness. What message does that send to tourists, investors and sports bodies we hope will bring world events here?” David asked.
“A city bidding for regional and international status cannot even keep its roads lit at night. Basic infrastructure comes first — always.”
Meanwhile, City Hall (DBKK) said it was “aware of issues” but had yet to provide further details or a timeline for action.
