Landslide repairs at Bukit Larut reach RM20 million

Ongoing slope and road repairs at Bukit Larut since 2020, prompted by landslides, have incurred an expenditure of approximately RM20 million, according to Loh Sze Yee, chairman of Perak Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Investment Committee.

The closure of Bukit Larut to vehicles persists, and the reopening of bungalow rentals for visitors remains contingent on safety considerations.

Landslide challenges at Bukit Larut

Loh emphasised the recurrent challenge faced at Bukit Larut, stating, “The problem with Bukit Larut is that every time repairs are completed in one area, another area suffers a landslide, so we need to take care of public safety.”

Due to these safety concerns, vehicle access to Bukit Larut is not recommended, and those engaging in hiking activities are urged to do so at their own risk.

Loh highlighted the potential risks, stating, “We do not recommend vehicles going up as there are landslides even with minimum road use.

If we go up and down with jeeps and other vehicles, then there is a possibility that even more landslides occur and cost lives.”

Tourism rail package launch in Taiping

Loh made these statements after launching the Tourism Rail Package at Laman Budaya in Taiping, citing the town’s historical significance as the location of the country’s first railway station.

The Tourism Rail Package, developed by Tourism Perak in collaboration with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), offers an alternative mode for tourists to explore the state via trains.

Loh expressed confidence in the initiative, claiming that Perak would become a preferred tourist destination by offering diverse packages, including eco-tourism, cultural, heritage, and gastronomic experiences.

Highlighting the potential of the Rail Tourism Package, Loh revealed that 36 packages are offered by six selected tour agencies.

These agencies include Asia City Trip, Unforgettable Tour Sdn Bhd, Rayhan Haramain Tour Sdn Bhd, Ipoh Overland Tours and Travel, Karya Merdeka Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd, and Golden Century Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd.

Additionally, KTMB is providing a 15 per cent discount for ETS tickets to purchasers of the Rail Tourism Package.

Mohd Zain Mat Taha, Chief Operations Officer of KTMB, expressed hope that the chosen tour package providers would effectively promote the rail service through various tourism activities.

Source: Bernama