THE STAR

KUALA LUMPUR: BMT Jelas Sdn Bhd has started preliminary works for the proposed RM4.6bil expressway that will connect Jelapang in Ipoh to Batu Kawan in Penang.

The 116 km expressway, named Jelapang-Selama-Batu Kawan Expressway (Jelas), is anticipated to be completed within three years upon obtaining approval from the federal government.

In a statement yesterday, group executive chairman Tan Sri Bahadon Ariffin said the proposed Jelas Expressway would complement the government’s plans for the Northern Corridor and would significantly impact the economic development for the region.

To serve as an alternative link to the main North South Expressway, it would consist 13 interchanges which include Jelapang (Meru), Klebang, Kanthan Baru, Sungai Siput (Utara), Karai, Kati, Anak Kurau, Batu Kurau, Selama, Serdang, Lima Kongsi and Batu Kawan.

Currently, the preliminary works included costing and budgetary processes of the overall acquisition.

“It will narrow down the gap between rural and urban areas, as well as, increase household income,” he said, adding that Jelas would have the longest road tunnel in Asia, stretching 3km across the Bintang Range,” said Bahadon. – Bernama