According to a report by the New Straits Times, the Johor state government has confirmed that road users who are involved in accidents caused by damaged road surfaces have the right to seek compensation from the relevant authorities.

Johor's executive councillor for public works, transport, infrastructure, and communications, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, stated that any claims must be accompanied by solid proof and proper documentation.

This announcement follows a recent court decision where a driver was awarded RM721,000 by the Johor Bahru Sessions Court after suffering losses linked to a damaged road.

“If an accident occurs due to potholes or other road issues, the affected driver can submit a claim to the concession company tasked with maintaining that stretch of road,” said Mohamad Fazli.

He also advised motorists to gather essential evidence such as photographs of the incident, vehicle damage, road conditions, exact location, time of the accident, a police report, and any receipts related to the damage.

The claim should be submitted formally in writing to the appropriate body — whether it’s the local municipal council, the Public Works Department (JKR), or the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), he added.