TERENGGANU SEEKS ALLOCATION FROM FEDERAL GOVT TO REPAIR COLLAPSED ROAD

KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The state government through the Terengganu Public Works Department (JKR) has requested emergency allocation from the federal government to repair Jalan Aring 8–Kenyir–Kuala Jeneris) near Sungai Deka Elephant Conservation Centre, Hulu Terengganu, which collapsed yesterday.

State Infrastructure, Utilities and Rural Development (Disaster Management) Committee chairman Datuk Hanafiah Mat said the repair cost was estimated to cost RM1.5 million including piling and the construction of temporary diversions to ensure the safety of the road structure and to prevent access to the Sungai Deka Elephant Sanctuary from being cut off.

According to him, the subsequent collapse involved soil erosion and the lower edge of the culvert structure due to the heavy flow of water during the Northeast Monsoon season (MTL) which affected the stability of the soil and the drainage structure at the location.

"The route has been gazetted as closed by the federal government for safety reasons and remains completely closed to all types of vehicles.

"The subsequent landslide confirmed that the route is high-risk and unsafe to use. Therefore, the road closure status is maintained while the Traffic Management Plan (TMP), warning signs and diversions are in place," he said in a statement today.

In addition, Hanafiah said continuous monitoring was also carried out by the Hulu Terengganu District Public Works Department (JKR) in collaboration with Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd to ensure public safety from time to time.

"Road users are also encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes via Jerteh-Machang-Gua Musang or Jerteh-Kuala Krai-Gua Musang to reach their respective destinations," he said.

Yesterday, Jalan Aring 8-Kenyir-Kuala Jeneris in Hulu Terengganu was completely closed to all vehicles following soil erosion on the surface of the culvert or sewer wall due to strong water flow.

Hulu Terengganu district police chief Supt Sharudin Abd Wahab said previously, part of the road began to experience soil erosion in May, but it completely collapsed at 7 am yesterday.

-- BERNAMA