By DIANA ABD WAHAB
HULU SELANGOR, July 19 — The slope stabilisation work along Jalan Batang Kali - Genting Highlands has reached 6.98 per cent since it began last month, according to the state executive councillor for infrastructure Izham Hashim.
The reinforcement work, involving the construction of a RM19 million terra link system, is progressing according to schedule and is expected to be fully completed by March next year.
"A lot has been carried out here, like strengthening the slope, as this road is one of the main routes for people commuting to Genting Highlands, where many people work.
"The state government has strengthened the area by choosing the terra link construction method, which is widely used in many countries as it is cost-effective and takes only 10 months to complete, compared to other proposed methods," he said.
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State executive councillor for infrastructure Izham Hashim (second from right) poring through the plans for the slope stabilisation work along Jalan Batang Kali - Genting Highlands, during his his field visit to Batang Kali, on July 18, 2023. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Izham was speaking to the press after inspecting the progress of the slope stabilisation work in the area yesterday evening, which was also the site of a landslide tragedy last year.
He added the authorities will carefully review the complete report to determine the necessary follow-up steps, especially when it comes to the areas surrounding the incident location.
The councillor is confident the project will be completed as scheduled before the road is reopened and used as usual for those heading to Genting Highlands.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said Jalan B66 Batang Kali - Genting Highlands would only be opened for light vehicles, starting in early January.
The decision was taken to facilitate the commute of nearly 5,000 workers residing in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor, and Genting Highlands in Pahang.
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A view of the slope along Jalan Batang Kali - Genting Highlands, where stabilisation work is being carried out, in Batang Kali on July 18, 2023. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
