By Zaki Salleh
Photo: FB Fadzil Haji Aziz
IPOH: The Ministry of Works (KKR) has taken immediate action by installing plastic barriers at Section 130.5 of FT004, the East-West Highway (JRTB) near Gerik.
This follows a viral video highlighting damage to the road barrier (guardrail) near the JRTB Memorial Monument.
The Hulu Perak Public Works Department (JKR) has acted swiftly to ensure the safety of road users.
In a statement, KKR said the complaint about the issue was received on June 14, with the damage caused by a lorry accident.
According to the statement, as a short-term measure, a delineator string was installed on June 11, and the installation of plastic barriers is currently underway.
Works to remove the damaged posts are also in progress.
“Long-term action involves replacing the guardrail starting June 17 and is expected to be completed by August 30.
“The project cost is RM2,714,000.00, covering Sections 113 to 151, and was approved by JKR Perak on April 10,” the statement added.
KKR expressed appreciation to the District Engineer’s Office and JKR Hulu Perak for their swift and proactive response in addressing the road barrier damage at FT004 (Section 130.5, Gerik–Jeli Road).
Previously, the issue was shared on social media following a tour bus accident involving students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), which resulted in 15 fatalities.
In that accident, the bus veered off the road, with part of its left side hitting the metal road barrier at the location.
