RM2.1 Billion KL-Karak Widening Project Starts End-Feb

The Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway widening project is set to begin end of Feb, says Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi

Nanta also mentioned that the project is in its final stage of appointing a contractor and that road widening works will be done within the current highway area without acquiring more land.

The statement was in reply to Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak), who had asked about the project’s progress and what steps would be taken to protect residents along the highway in case relocation is needed.

Nanta explained that portions of the highway reserve in Selangor are under the jurisdiction of the state’s Department of Director General of Lands and Mines, as well as its Forestry Department.

He also added that the KL-Karak highway concessionaire, AFA Prime Bhd, had consulted both departments and identified that many of the settlements near the highway are squatter areas. These settlements are technically encroachments on land owned by the authorities.

A survey of the affected areas has already been conducted by the concessionaire and relevant departments. The findings from this survey will be reviewed to determine what actions are needed under the applicable laws and guidelines.

Nanta called on Selangor’s state agencies to fully cooperate to ensure the project moves forward smoothly and stays on schedule.

Meanwhile, Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan had previously stated that the project is expected to be complete by 2029 and will help ease traffic congestion, particularly during holiday periods and weekends.

The project covers 45.3KM of the highway and is estimated to cost RM2.1 billion. The stretch will also include a new two-lane tunnel beside the current tunnel heading east.

Source: FMT