BENTONG: The road connecting Bentong to Raub, which has been closed for nearly nine months, should be repaired and reopened as scheduled by the end of this month, says former transport minister Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said the Kuala Lumpur-Gua Musang Highway stretch connecting Bentong and Raub was a crucial road to locals who commute between the two areas daily.
He noted that since its closure, the livelihood of many had been affected.
“That is why we took the initiative to visit and monitor (the repair of the road) to ensure the repair can be done in time.
“We insist this road be reopened by the end of this month because the people have been suffering difficulties travelling between Raub and Bentong,” he told reporters yesterday.
MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon and party spokesperson Wong Siew Mun were with Liow in monitoring the progress of the repairs.
According to Liow, locals commuting between Bentong and Raub were forced to take a longer detour, which meant another 20 to 30 minutes of driving.
“So, we appeal to the authorities to expedite the repair,” he added.
Repairs are underway at the stretch which had partially collapsed after a landslide caused by the floods in December last year.
Personal inspection: Liow (centre) and Chong (second from left) having a discussion with contractors at landslide area. — ART CHEN/The Star
Liow, along with Chong and Wong, also visited another part of the same road located near the Felda Lurah Bilut settlement, about five minutes from that stretch.
Parts of the road had collapsed due to the December floods and despite being partially damaged, the road was still being used by the locals.
Liow, who was concerned about the safety of the road users, urged the authorities to expedite repair works.
“If there’s another downpour, this road will collapse and that will stop transportation from both sides.
“We were told there was allocation and the design is ready. But the implementation and execution are delayed.
“We urge the authorities to start the repair works as soon as possible,” said the former Bentong MP.
Liow said he would personally contact Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof on the matter.
He also said the present Bentong MP, Wong Tack, should focus on the issue and voice out the concerns of his constituents.
“All this while, we can only see Siew Mun monitoring and visiting the area,” added Liow.
Chong echoed similar sentiments, saying: “We have no information on whether he (Wong Tack) visited this road or at least speak to the contractor in charge of repairs here.
“I think it’s time when you are given the power and entrusted by voters, you should play your role as an MP,” he said.
Felda Lurah Bilut village chief Mat Zulkifli Mat Yunus said some locals were forced to quit their jobs as travelling between Bentong and Raub using a longer detour had caused them to incur higher costs in commuting.
“Some in Raub were forced to quit their jobs working as cleaners in Hospital Bentong,” he added.
