The Public Works Department (JKR) clarified that the Cameron Highlands Bypass Road project is not linked to the flash floods reported in Tanah Rata after heavy rain, as no physical construction work has begun.
In a statement today, JKR said the project, which covers the construction of the Tanah Rata Bypass, upgrading of Federal Route FT59 from Tanah Rata to Kea Farm and upgrading of Federal Route FT434 (Griddle Road), is currently at the design and assessment stage.
Apart from routine maintenance on existing roads, no physical work related to the project has been carried out at the site. As such, JKR said claims linking the reported flooding to construction activities under the project were inaccurate.
Based on its preliminary assessment, JKR said the flooding reported at the MARDI Gardens and public field in Tanah Rata on Sept 12 occurred along a secondary road that is not part of the main road alignment covered by the project.
Separately, a small landslide was reported along Jalan Tengkolok, which falls within the project contractor’s routine maintenance scope. JKR said debris-clearing work was carried out immediately and has since been completed to ensure the safety and accessibility of road users.
JKR said they nevertheless take concerns over slope safety, geological conditions, drainage systems and disaster risks seriously. The project remains subject to the necessary assessments, approvals and technical requirements, including environmental and social impact assessments, geotechnical assessments and approval from the relevant local authority.
Physical construction will only commence after all required approvals and conditions have been fulfilled, JKR said.
