‘Contractors must ensure safety of billboards’
BILLBOARD contractors in Kuala Lumpur must take responsibility for structures which have become an eyesore and safety hazard.

Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic) said the onus was on the contractors to audit the condition of billboards from time to time.

“Billboard contractors must ensure that the billboards are not only visually appealing but safe as well,’’ he said.

Lee was commenting on StarMetro’s report “Fear of flying billboards during KL thunderstorms” on April 4.

“As a former DBKL advisory board member, I have regularly brought up the need for a proper audit and regulations on billboards.

“Contractors should regularly check the condition of their clients’ billboards.

“They have a duty to ensure that they are safe as many billboards are old and on the verge of toppling,’’ he said.

Lee proposed that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) establish a set of regulations to manage billboard placement and maintenance effectively.

He suggested that these include location restrictions and limits on the size and height of billboards.

He also said guidelines were needed to ensure billboards were well-maintained and harmonise with their surroundings.

“DBKL should also make it mandatory for billboard contractors to display their contact information on billboards, allowing the public to report any safety concerns directly,’’ he added.

Echoing Lee’s concerns was Kampung Muhibbah People’s Housing Project (PPR) Residents Association chairman Attar Bacha.

“I was driving along the KL-Seremban Highway and saw a few that were on the verge of toppling,” he added.

Attra warned of the dangers posed by strong winds, especially after the March 28 storm caused significant damage in Kampung Muhibbah PPR and a Seri Petaling condominium, ripping off rooftops and damaging 27 vehicles.
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BILLBOARD contractors in Kuala Lumpur must take responsibility for structures which have become an eyesore and safety hazard.