KUALA LUMPUR – The government is looking at improving stretches of the East Coast Expressway (LPT) that were inundated during the 2014 and recent 2021 floods.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (Petra Jaya-GPS) told the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time today that the Malaysian Highway Authority has already submitted its report and recommendation to address the situation.
“The short-term solution during the floods include: continuous traffic management and clearing the highway of rubbish and debris when the water recedes before opening the highway to ensure it is safe for the public.
“We’ve also used unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor catchment areas close to the highway.
“Looking at long-term solutions, the highway authority has submitted a detailed report and has requested extra funds under the second rolling plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan to improve and elevate (certain stretches) of the LPT,” said Fadillah.
The senior minister said the authorities have identified Km84.6 to Km84.7, Km115, and Km126.2 as the areas they plan on elevating.
Fadillah said even though the government had conducted a study on the highway elevation before it was constructed, the unpredictable weather stemming from climate change has thrown their calculations off course.
“When taking into account rainfall, we look at the highest level over the past 100 years. However, due to climate change, the weather has become unpredictable and there are times that a day’s rainfall is the same as a month, or even a year’s worth of total rainfall,” he said.
Currently, Putrajaya is still studying the proposal and is considering all aspects, including the technical aspects of the work as well as the cost.
The expressway was developed in two phases, with the first phase from Karak to Jabor being completed in 2004. The second phase, from Jabor to Kuala Terengganu was completed in 2015. – The Vibes, October 12, 2021
