Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands route not suitable for night driving, says NGO

IPOH: The proposal for vehicles to use Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands between 7pm and 7am should be reconsidered, says a non-governmental organisation.

Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH) president A. Dilip Martin said the stretch between Blue Valley and Simpang Pulai is dimly lit and not conducive for night driving.

"It is quite dark... along the road between 7pm and 7am. It will be difficult for anyone to travel at that time.

"I think they should do it the other way round, to open (the route) to traffic from 7am to 7pm.

"Safety should be the Public Works Department's (JKR) priority when proposing such a measure," he said today.

On Oct 23, a landslide occurred at KM43 of Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands, causing it to be closed to traffic indefinitely.

During his visit near the site on Wednesday (Nov 20), Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi proposed that the route be reopened to the public from 7pm to 7am effective Monday (Nov 25) while slope and road repair works continue during the day.

Dilip Martin said the people in the highlands, especially local businesses, have been affected by the road closure and hoped the repair works would be expedited.

"The closure has significantly impacted various parties, including tourists who are unable to visit Cameron Highlands and local traders who are suffering substantial losses due to a sharp decline in visitor numbers.

"Additionally, the alternative route through Tapah, currently used by heavy vehicles, poses a serious safety risk to light vehicle users, especially on narrow and winding roads.

"We urge JKR to expedite the repair in the interest of road users' safety, the economic sustainability of local traders, and the convenience of tourists," he added.

Meanwhile, Perak JKR director Zamri Mat Kasim said the proposal by the minister has been in effect since Monday.

Zamri also said that works to construct a gabion wall to prevent soil from falling onto the road are expected to be completed by Dec 30.

"We expect the road to be fully opened to traffic once the construction work is completed," he said.