THE cracks on Federal Route 185 involving Jln Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley in Ipoh heading towards Cameron Highlands could get worse if rain continues at the location, said Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad.

He said initial investigation at the site found that there were cracks measuring about 30 metres long on the road.

“They are likely due to continuous rain which caused the soil structure to become weak and unstable, thus leading to hillslope collapse.

“The Kinta Public Works Department received a report on the incident at 5.20pm yesterday and took immediate action together with the concessionaire to prepare a traffic management plan,” he told reporters when met at the scene today.

 He said the federal road was closed to traffic.

“Motorists can use Federal Route 59 Jln Tapah-Cameron Highlands as an alternative route,” he said.

Meanwhile, Perak JKR director Zulkipli Nasri said the temporary route at the scene would only be opened to light vehicles after further investigations were completed.

He said the government had allocated RM130 million to realign a 600-metre route at the location which was to be implemented in December.

Repair work on the route, which is still in the design stage, is expected to be completed in December 2024, he added. – Bernama, September 19, 2021.