Construction of Cameron Highlands bypass yet to begin, suspension calls premature, says Works Ministry

KUANTAN, Sept 13 — The Ministry of Works (KKR) has taken note of media reports and concerns raised regarding flash floods and landslides in Cameron Highlands, including calls for the temporary suspension of the Cameron Highlands Bypass Project.

In a statement today, the Public Works Department (JKR) explained that the project involves the construction of the Tanah Rata Bypass, the upgrading of Federal Road FT59 from Tanah Rata to Kea Farm, and the upgrading of Federal Road FT434 (Jalan Griddle).

“At present, the project remains in the design and assessment study stage. To date, no physical construction work related to the project has been carried out on-site, with the exception of routine maintenance on existing roads.

“Therefore, any claims linking the flash flood incident to the project's physical construction activities are inaccurate,” the statement read.

According to the Public Works Department (JKR), preliminary checks revealed that the flooding reported yesterday in the Taman MARDI and Padang Awam areas of Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, occurred on secondary roads; these locations are not part of the main road alignment involved in the project.

However, a small-scale landslide did occur on Jalan Tengkolok, an area falling under the scope of the project contractor's routine maintenance duties.

“Debris clearing operations were carried out immediately and have been completed to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic for road users,” the statement added.

The Ministry of Works (KKR) takes all concerns regarding slope safety, geological conditions, drainage systems, and disaster risks seriously.

The project's implementation is subject to all assessments, approvals, and technical conditions stipulated by relevant authorities, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Social Impact Assessment (SIA), geotechnical requirements, and local authority approvals.

The statement noted that physical construction work would only commence once all relevant approvals and conditions have been met. — Bernama