KUALA LUMPUR — A major sinkhole along kilometre 66.1 of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway has led to the temporary closure of all its traffic lanes.
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), in a statement on Twitter, said the closure has resulted in traffic congestion in both directions, urging road users to take an alternative route through the Bentong townships
For those travelling from Kuantan to Kuala Lumpur, the Lebuhraya Pantai Timur (LPT) Facebook account advises exiting at the East Bentong Toll Plaza and re-entering the highway via the West Bentong Toll Plaza.
On the other hand, users heading from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan are instructed to exit at the West Bentong Toll Plaza and re-enter the highway using the East Bentong Toll Plaza.
Meanwhile, Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman swiftly took to social to warn road users about the incident.
“I’ve just received concerning news about a sinkhole on the road, which has led to the closure of both directions. If you were planning to head to Kuala Lumpur or Karak, please be aware that you must now take the route through Bentong,” she said on Facebook.
“Please be cautious everyone and follow the instructions of the LPT (management).”
Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi in a post on his Facebook last night said he has instructed all agencies and the concession company involved to take immediate action to ensure the safety of road users.
“I am aware of the case of a sinkhole on KM66.1 of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway which happened a while ago. I have obtained information from the officers and understand that the incident happened around 8.34pm. No casualties were reported.
“The sinkhole incident occurred at KM66.1 west and east, between West Bentong and East Bentong junctions.”
He said the current status of all eastbound and westbound lanes is closed and users heading towards Kuantan or Karak are advised to exit at the West Bentong junction and re-enter the highway at the East Bentong junction.
“Users who want to use the Central Spine Road to go to Kota Bharu are allowed to use the CSR Interchange while users towards Kuala Lumpur are advised to exit at the East Bentong interchange and re-enter the highway at the West Bentong interchange.
“Traffic is under control. I have instructed the departments and agencies involved to give me updates on this incident from time to time.” — July 25, 2023