GOMBAK: The RM2.1 billion Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway widening project is expected to be completed in 2029, a year ahead of schedule, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said.
He said the project was originally scheduled for completion in 2030 under its four-year construction contract, but AFA PRIME Berhad had assured that the works could be completed by 2029-2030.
The project, fully funded by AFA PRIME Berhad, involves widening 45.3 kilometres of the KL-Karak between Gombak and Bentong, as well as constructing a 999-metre third tunnel at Genting Sempah.
"That is very encouraging because it means the project will be completed ahead of time," he said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the third Genting Sempah tunnel and launch of the KL-Karak widening project today.
"This is not simply about building a bigger tunnel. It is about closing the gap between east and west, between potential and opportunity, and between what exists and what the people on the East Coast deserve."
Nanta said the highway would be widened from three to four lanes between Gombak and Genting Sempah, while the stretch between Genting Sempah and Bentong would be widened from two to three lanes.
Physical works began in March this year, with the project expected to improve traffic flow, road safety and travelling comfort along the key east-west corridor.
The new 999-metre tunnel will be constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), which Nanta said was more suitable for the physical conditions of the site.
The project comes as traffic along the KLK has increased significantly from about 41,000 vehicles daily in 1997 to more than 135,000 vehicles currently.
Nanta said the government is also taking broader measures to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents and fatalities nationwide.
"Road safety is not only about this particular location. Recently, we had a Cabinet committee meeting, or Cabinet Action Council, specifically on road congestion and safety chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"A lot was discussed on how we can reduce accidents and fatalities. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, the number is very high in our country with 18 lives lost every day due to road accidents nationwide.
"That is very high. That is why the government is serious about reducing road accidents and the loss of lives," he said.
On toll rates, Nanta said there would be no immediate increase following completion of the project.
"It's not immediate. There will be an increase later, but we do not know when yet. The terms are provided for in the contract, but there will be no increase in the next two or three years," he added.
Published by NewStraitsTimes (20 Aug 2026). For more details, read the full news coverage here: KL-Karak Widening Project to be Completed One Year Ahead of Schedule