IPOH: The cracks on Federal Route 185 involving Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley here heading towards Cameron Highlands, Pahang, could get worse if rains continue at the location, says Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad.

       He said the initial investigation at the site found that there were 30m-long cracks on the road.

       “It was likely due to continuous rain which caused the soil structure to become weak and unstable, thus leading to a hillslope collapse.

       “The Kinta Public Works Department (JKR) received a report on the incident at about 5.20pm on Saturday and took immediate action together with the concessionaire to prepare a traffic management plan at the location,” Saarani told reporters when met at the scene yesterday.

       He said the federal road was now closed to traffic.

       “Motorists can use Federal Route 59 Jalan Tapah-Cameron Highlands as an alternative route,” he added.

       Meanwhile, Perak JKR director Zulkipli Nasri said the temporary route would only be opened to light vehicles after further investigations were completed.

       He said the government had allocated RM130mil to realign a 600m route at the location, which was planned to be implemented in December.

       The repair work on the route, which was still in the design stage, was expected to be completed in December 2024, he added. — Bernama