The Batang Kali-Genting Highlands road, which was closed following a tragic landslide incident, is expected to be reopened to the public by May 2024. The repair and stabilisation work on the slopes along the road has made significant progress, with completion scheduled for March of the same year. Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman, Izham Hashim, provided an update on the ongoing efforts to reopen the road.
Repair work on the slopes began on May 28, with the aim of completing the project by March 29, 2024. Once the repairs are successfully concluded, the road to Genting Highlands will be accessible to the public once again.
Izham Hashim also mentioned that extensive research had been conducted to determine the most suitable engineering method for the challenging site conditions, especially the narrow slopes. The ‘TerraLink wall system’ design was identified as the most appropriate solution for the project.
Currently, only one lane of the road is open, and it is limited to workers in the Genting Highlands area. The closure of the road has been in place since the tragic landslide incident.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had previously attributed the landslide at the Batang Kali campsite, which occurred in December of the previous year, to continuous rainfall. The tragic event took place at 2:30 am on December 16, 2022, resulting in the loss of 31 lives out of a total of 92 campers. The landslide buried the Father’s Organic Farm camping area in Batang Kali.
Efforts to repair and stabilize the slopes along the Batang Kali-Genting Highlands road are progressing, and authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility of this important route, which connects to the popular Genting Highlands tourist destination. The scheduled reopening in May 2024 brings hope to residents and visitors alike.