IPOH: All landslide-prone areas in the state will be continuously monitored as more rainfall is expected, says the Perak Public Works Department (JKR) deputy director.
Hamdan Ali said JKR was doing round-the-clock monitoring at several locations, especially along Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley (FT185).A total of 14 major landslide-prone stretches have been identified from Simpang Pulai and Tapah heading up to Cameron Highlands.
Hamdan said 12 such stretches were being monitored from Tapah right up to Ringlet (FT059), and two stretches from Simpang Pulai to Blue Valley (FT185).
“All state JKRs have been put on high alert due to the monsoon season and everything seems to be all right at the moment,” he said when contacted.
Earlier this month, a massive landslide occurred at Section 27 of FT185, killing two motorists.
The stretch of road had only been reopened on Dec 17.
In September, soil erosion damaged the road at Section 44, forcing one lane to be closed off.
Both incidents are said to have been triggered by an incessant and extraordinary amount of rainfall.Hamdan said Section 44 and Section 27 of FT185 could still be used by motorists.
“We are working with neighbouring state JKRs to monitor hillslopes along the road.
“We are also currently in the process of appointing contractors for the remedial work at both locations,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cameron Highlands Vegetable Transport Vehicle Owners’ Association chairman Kwang Ee Fu said all transportation operations are now back to normal, as both FT185 and Jalan Tapah-Cameron Highlands are open to traffic.
“We do not see any new issues along the road, so I think things are back to normal for now.
“We will still advise our members to be careful while driving down from the highlands,” he said.