IPOH (Bernama): 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, said Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad.

       He said the initial investigation at the site found that there were about 30-metre 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 hillslope collapse.

       "The Kinta Public Works Department (JKR) received a report on the incident at about 5.20pm on Saturday (Sept 18) and took immediate action together with the concessionaire to prepare a traffic management plan at the location," he told reporters when met at the scene on Sunday (Sept 19).

       He said the Federal road was closed to traffic.

       "Motorists can use the Federal Route 59 Jalan Tapah-Cameron Highlands as an alternative route," he said.

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

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

       The repair work on the route, which is still in the design stage, is expected to be completed in Dec 2024, he added. - Bernama