New expressway promises economic spillover for Simpang Pelangai

The Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) expressway, formerly known as the Central Spine Road, is expected to enhance the development potential of Simpang Pelangai.

The LTU expressway connecting Kuala Krai, Kelantan and the East Coast Expressway interchange in Bentong, Pahang is under construction and expected to be fully completed in 2026.

This was one of the projects the late Pelangai assemblyperson Johari Harun had fought for.

Also known as ‘the ends of Pahang’ that is often used as an alternative route to enter the state borders, Simpang Pelangai is described as the centre of activity for people living in the Pelangai state constituency as various facilities are located there, including a health clinic, an ATM and a post office.

Ahmed Wafiuddin Shamsuri, who was previously the Pakatan Harapan candidate for the state seat in GE15, highlighted that the Pelangai constituents reside at three Felda land schemes, namely Orang Asli villages, Chinese villages and traditional Malay villages, as well as in estates.

"Most of them work in oil palm or rubber plantations, are self-employed or do odd jobs apart from the civil servants on duty there," the 28-year-old told Bernama.

Work in progress

In May, Deputy Works Minister Abdul Rahman Mohamad said that the Public Works Department was at the stage of preparing the design of the route alignment for the LTU project from Karak to Simpang Pelangai.

Meanwhile, resident Nor Ain Yazid, 57, who grew up in Kampung Chemomoi, said the construction of the highway will allow residents to increase their income by selling food and local products or going into the eco and agrotourism business.

"Besides setting up drink and food stalls, should a market centre be provided, the locals can take the opportunity to sell their garden produce or get involved in the tourism industry," she said.

Volunteer firefighter Mark Lai, who resides in Temerlong, said in addition to improving the socio-economic status of residents, the construction of a new road can make it easier for residents to go to the nearest town for various matters.

"The main road that goes through Jalan Karak-Kuala Pilah, which is long and winding slows down travelling. However, at times when it rains heavily, there is a risk of flash floods on the road that crosses Sungai Telemong," the 46-year-old pointed out.

Lai also hoped that the construction of the highway would pave the way for more infrastructure facilities including petrol stations and supermarkets in the area.

Currently, those who need to deal with banks or buy provisions, would either have to go to either Simpang Durian in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan which is about 10km away, Triang in Bera which is located over 44km, or they may choose to Karak (43km) or Bentong (64km).

The Election Commission has fixed Oct 7 as polling day for the Pelangai by-election, following the death of Johari, 53, who was one of the 10 victims of the plane crash in Shah Alam, Selangor on Aug 17.

Nomination and early voting have been fixed on Sept 23 and Oct 3 respectively.

In GE15, Johari who represented BN won with a majority of 4,048 votes, defeating Perikatan Nasional candidate Kasim Samat, Ahmed Wafiuddin and Pejuang candidate Isa Ahmad.

- Bernama

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