IPOH, Oct 11 — The Works Ministry (KKR) will seek RM20 million to build Rest and Service Areas (R&R) along the Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) Expressway soon.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the funds were to build rest stops (R&Rs) along the highway, previously known as the Central Spine Road.
“It will include the construction of several shops, toilets and prayer rooms as these are the urgent needs of the people and leadership of Pahang,” he said.
He said this after a working visit to check on the repairs to the slope and road at Route FT185 Section 44.10, Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley, Kinta here today.
Yesterday, Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah urged the federal government, through the KKR and the Economy Ministry, to reconsider the construction of R&R facilities along the LTU.
His Royal Highness said the R&Rs were crucial for ensuring the comfort and convenience of road users, while also addressing issues like littering and roadside sanitation due to the lack of restroom facilities.
Ahmad said a site had been decided for the construction of the R&Rs and he is confident the application would be approved.
He said the project was previously opened to the private sector but there were no takers, probably because it is viewed as being unprofitable since the expressway is only congested during certain festive periods.
Earlier, Ahmad launched the Slope Mapping and Assessment Guideline preparation in conjunction with the 18th Inter-Governmental Agency Committee for Slope Management meeting at a hotel in Cameron Highlands.
The guidelines are one of the action plans stipulated under the Slope Hazard and Risk Map Production Project, namely, a strategic core framework outlined under the National Slopes Master Plan (PICN) 2009-2023.
Meanwhile, Ahmad said the Cabinet has agreed for the PICN 2009-2023 to be extended until 2030.
— Bernama
