IPOH: Work to repair the sinkhole on Jalan Ampang-Jelapang, right after the Jalan Kuala Kangsar slip road towards Meru Raya here, will start next week.

       Perak infrastructure committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said the state Public Works Department (JKR) has obtained an emergency fund of RM624,000 from the Public Works Ministry, with repair works expected to start on Monday (Jan 10).

       "We are aware of the grouses from motorists about the heavy traffic congestion caused due to the closure of the left lane.

       "Repair works will start next week and it is expected to be completed in three months," he said during a press conference after visiting the location on Friday (Jan 7).

       Mohd Zolkafly said there were some technical factors that had delayed the repair works on the 7m-deep sinkhole.

       He said the road was a federal road, which was under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government.

       "It's not the right perception to say that the state is not concerned or doing anything about the issue.

       "The state still has some limitations and it is also not easy for us to resolve the issue when it involves major damage to a federal road," he said.

       "I hope the people will continue to be patient until the road is truly safe to be used," he added.