Perak to Propose Major Upgrade of East-West Highway to Federal Government

"Perak will propose to the federal government an upgrade and realignment of the East-West Highway (JRTB) to improve road safety, following a tragic bus accident that killed 15 UPSI students."

Ipoh, 12th June 2025, 01.58pm - The Perak state government plans to submit a formal proposal to the federal government for the upgrading and realignment of the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat, JRTB), which connects Gerik in Perak to Jeli in Kelantan.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the proposal includes a complete review of the existing route and the development of a new alignment to enhance safety and traffic flow between the northern and east coast states of Peninsular Malaysia.

"The matter was discussed in the State Executive Council meeting today. I’ve instructed Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who chairs the State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee, to prepare a detailed proposal," Saarani told reporters on Wednesday.

He added that the proposal will be raised with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his working visit to Lumut this coming Sunday.

According to Saarani, the highway—once under concession—has not undergone comprehensive upgrading in over 40 years, resulting in sections where the road surface has deteriorated down to the soil.

“Simple patching is no longer viable. We need a long-term solution. The proposal will cover aspects such as new road alignment, widening works, improved construction materials, proper street lighting, and clearer road markings,” he said.

Proposal Includes Upgrades to Gerik Hospital and Emergency Services

Saarani also announced that the state will propose enhancements to Gerik Hospital, including increased facilities and specialist services, to better serve motorists along the highway in emergencies.

"In the event of a serious accident, Gerik Hospital currently lacks the capacity to handle a high number of casualties. We will recommend the addition of mobile police units and fire and rescue stations along the route to reduce emergency response times,” he said.

This comes in the wake of a tragic accident on the highway on Monday, where 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students lost their lives after a chartered bus collided with a multi-purpose vehicle and overturned while travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak.

The Perak government is expected to expedite its proposal in light of growing concerns over road safety and emergency preparedness along this critical interstate route.