TELUK INTAN – An allocation totalling RM2.2 million is required to repair the stretch of Jalan Besar Chikus that connects Chikus and Jalan Attaduri heading to Teluk Intan that partially collapsed late last night due to flooding in the Hilir Perak district since last Sunday.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said the authorities are waiting for damage assessment to be done by the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage before repairing it completely this year.
“Many things need to be considered from a technical aspect. We have asked the relevant parties to prioritise repairs for this road as it is the main road used by residents to travel to and from Teluk Intan,” he said after a visit to the flood relief centre at Dewan Bandaran Teluk Intan, Langkap here, which housed 103 evacuees from 33 families today.
Meanwhile, touching on allegations that the Tg Malim bus station bridge connecting the area with Hulu Bernam, Selangor, had suffered cracks, and claims that went viral on social media, he said it was possibly a technical issue due to strong river currents.
“There’s a possibility that cracks occurred due to technical issues because strong currents can damage structures. Since this is the border, both states (Perak and Selangor) will consider the situation and of course, JKR will take action if cracks have indeed occurred,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sg Manik assemblyman Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin said 3,000 vehicles ply Jalan Besar Chikus daily, adding that the road connects residents of 60 nearby villages to Pekan Langkap besides shortening the travel time between Pekan Langkap and Teluk Intan.
“We are relying on the state government’s support to ensure that road repairs are conducted as soon as possible because if it remains closed for a long time, this situation will bring about negative socio-economic impact,” he added. – Bernama, January 5, 2021
