Nelson Benjamin
The Star

JOHOR BARU: When Panjang was a teenager, Tunku Abdul Rahman visited his school in Penang and the students had to sing the national anthem.

“All of us were so nervous that we forgot how to sing the Negaraku when the band struck up the tune during the assembly.

“The teacher asked us to start all over again and told us to sing loudly,” the city’s celebrity pothole patcher said, adding that this amused the Tunku.

Panjang, who has never given his real name to the media, said he remembers the lyrics of the national anthem to this day.

Now 65, he has also never forgotten the advice that the first prime minister gave to the students that day.

“He told us to study hard, be good and loyal citizens and always obey the law.

“That is what I am doing now – being a loyal citizen and patching up potholes.

“I know many people think I am a man with an unsound mind on the road but that does not affect me as I am just doing my part to prevent accidents,” he said.

Panjang said potholes posed a danger to motorcycles, especially during rainy seasons, as the rider could easily be thrown off his machine if he hit the hole.

He was shocked and sad over the news that a 20-year-old pillion rider, Tan Cheng Ming, died after the motorcycle he was travelling on hit a pothole in Taman Daya on Aug 17.

“This is a serious matter. The authorities must act immediately as this is a wake-up call for everyone,” Panjang said.

“After all this years, we should be able to ensure that our roads are properly maintained and resurfaced regularly,” he said, adding that potholes seem to appear after every downpour.

Panjang, who still moves around his Taman Pelangi neighbourhood to patch up potholes, said people do not trust each other these days.

“Even my own family members have gone their separate ways due to money and reputation,” he said, declining to reveal much about his personal life.

He said come National Day, he would be at home to watch the parade on television.