TELUK INTAN: Section 8 of the new West Coast Expressway (WCE) – between Hutan Melintang and Teluk Intan – will be opened to motorists today.
Deputy Works Minister Mohd Anuar Mohd Tahir said the 19.1km toll-free stretch is the first section of the WCE to be opened to motorists, just in time for Hari Raya.
“Section 8 from Hutan Melintang to Teluk Intan will be opened to the public at 6pm today.
“This first section is toll-free, until the government makes a decision on toll policy and toll rates.
“Road users are advised to obey all traffic control management systems and signboards along the stretch to ensure a safe and smooth journey,” Mohd Anuar told a press conference after launching Section 8 at the Teluk Intan Toll Plaza here, today.
Also present were Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) director-general Datuk Aziz Abdullah and WCE Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Neoh Soon Hiong.
Mohd Anuar said two other packages – Lekir to Changkat Chermin or Section 9; and Changkat Chermin to Beruas or Section 10 – will be opened in August.
“The opening of Section 8, which has two lanes, will serve as a short-cut route for people who travel between Sabak Bernam, Bagan Datuk, Hutan Melintang, Teluk Intan and Sitiawan.
“With the new stretch, motorists can reduce their traveling time to 11 minutes compared to when they used the FT 005 (Federal Road from Sabak Bernam to Teluk Intan),” he said, adding that Section 9 and 10 are now 95 per cent complete.
The Teluk Intan rest and recreation (R&R) area is also under construction. Until it is completed, Mohd Anuar said road users could use facilities such as surau and washrooms at the Hutan Melintang and Teluk Intan toll plazas.
He added that upon completion of all WCE sections by the end of 2020, there will be smoother traffic flow, as the new expressway will serve as an alternative route for those currently using the North-South Expressway (NSE) from Lembah Klang heading towards northern states, especially during the festive season.
Meanwhile, Mohd Anuar advised motorcyclists against illegally plying the still-incomplete WCE stretches.
“I have received information saying that there were cases of motorcyclists using the unopened stretches for leisure and racing. This should not happen.
“Should an accident (occur, those involved) would not be covered by insurance since the roads have yet to be gazetted. I know the roads look nice and smooth, but I advise them not to use the unopened sections,” he said.
The 223km WCE stretches from Jalan Banting-KLIA (B18) to the Tanjong Karang interchange (93.8km) in Selangor; and from Jalan Persekutuan (FR5) in Hutan Melintang to the Changkat Jering Plaza Toll (139.2km) in Perak.
The three packages in Perak cover Hutan Melintang to Teluk Intan (19.1km); Lekir to Changkat Chermin (28km); and Changkat Chermin to Beruas (16.6km).