Road B66 Reopens: Restoring Connectivity to Genting Highlands and the East Coast
Travellers once again have access to Genting Highlands and the East Coast with the reopening of Road B66, which connects Batang Kali to Genting Highlands. The road officially reopened on Monday at 3pm, one-and-a-half years after the tragic landslide at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite.
The Tragic Landslide and Road Closure
The landslide, which occurred on December 16, 2022, claimed 31 lives and forced the Works Ministry to shut down the road for critical slope and road repairs. The disaster profoundly impacted the community and halted a key route for travelers heading to Genting Highlands and the northern states like Terengganu and Kelantan.
Restoration and Repairs
Kamal Abshah Abd Ghani, chief special officer to Batang Kali assemblyman Muhammad Muhaimin Harith Abdullah Sani, explained that the repairs, costing approximately RM19 million, have reached 86% completion. Some remaining work includes the installation of guardrails and construction of retaining walls. He emphasized that all delays have been to ensure safety, stating, “The road will only be reopened once it is confirmed safe for public use.”
Importance of Road B66 to Local Economy
Batang Kali, located in Hulu Selangor, serves as a transit point for travelers to have a meal or stay temporarily before continuing their journey. The reopening of Road B66 is expected to rejuvenate local businesses that suffered due to the road’s closure.
State Infrastructure Committee’s Remarks
State Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Izham Hashim highlighted the significance of the completed repairs. He noted, “The four-tiered, 25-meter-high slope has been successfully repaired using the Terralink Wall system for the first time in Batang Kali.” The road’s reopening follows the June 15 completion of slope repair works, which were initially scheduled for March but faced delays due to unavoidable factors.
Impact on Genting Highlands
The closure of Road B66 had a notable impact on Resorts World Genting (RWG), operated by Genting Group. According to a Maybank Investment report, the landslide caused a 10% quarter-on-quarter drop in visitor arrivals to RWG during the fourth quarter of 2022, with only 5.3 million visitors recorded. The report indicated that rainy weather in early 2023 further discouraged visitors, particularly during the peak Chinese New Year season.
Despite these challenges, RWG has seen a recovery in visitor numbers from March 2023 onwards. The availability of all 10,500 rooms at the resort has played a crucial role in this recovery, as overnighters spend significantly more than day-trippers. The report also mentioned that RWG’s gross gaming revenue correlates perfectly with room nights sold.
Looking Ahead: Future Developments
In addition to the reopening of Road B66, Genting Group is eyeing further expansion. The tender results for a downstate casino license in New York, initially expected in late 2023, may now be delayed to the first quarter of 2024. This tender could potentially allow Resorts World New York City to deploy table games, adding more value to Genting’s financial prospects.
Conclusion
The reopening of Road B66 marks a significant milestone in restoring connectivity and economic activity in the region. While the landslide was a tragic event, the completion of critical repairs ensures safer travel for all. This development not only benefits travelers but also supports local businesses and boosts tourism in Genting Highlands and beyond.
