IPOH, Sept 12 — Upgrading the Gerik-Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway will economically benefit Perak and Kelantan, said a Perak executive councillor.
Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the allocation is proof of the federal government’s concern for infrastructure maintenance issues in the state, particularly roads.
“We want to thank the Finance Ministry for prioritising federal roads in Perak, particularly the Gerik-Jeli stretch (on the East-West Highway), about which we receive many complaints due to the frequency of accidents caused by damage.
“Praise be to God, the federal government acknowledged the importance of this upgrade as a result of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad bringing the matter up with Anwar directly in January,” he told Bernama when contacted today.
Yesterday, Anwar announced the allocation to upgrade the stretch during the tabling of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) mid-term review in Parliament.
In August, Anwar announced an additional RM30 million to upgrade the Gerik-Jeli stretch under Budget 2023 in February, bringing the total allocation to RM75.67 million.
Meanwhile, motorist Nik Kamarul Ariffin Nik Abd Kadir, 39, said the Prime Minister’s announcement was a great relief to road users as the current condition of the road poses risks.
“I have no choice but to take that route twice a month. The government’s concern is a great relief to those who use the highway,” said Nik Kamarul, who commutes between Batu Gajah and Pasir Mas.
Another motorist, John Bunyan, 35, said travelling along the road is scarier at night as it poses other dangers, such as herds of elephants crossing the road.
“Regular commuters will know the location of the potholes or damaged parts so we can avoid it at night, but if you are not familiar, be prepared for your rims to be bent or tyres to burst,” he said.
Ahmad Yusri Ahmad Cabi, 40, said: “I have waited a long time for (the road upgrade) as we have been complaining about it for a long time. It is also essential for developing and boosting socio-economic ties with neighbouring states.”
He thanked the state government for successfully bringing the issue to the federal government and improving the safety of the increasing number of road users.
— Bernama
