KUANTAN: The Pahang government wants the Works Ministry and Economy Ministry to reinstate the two rest and recreation (R&R) stops along the toll-free Central Spine Road (CSR), which were originally part of the four-lane dual-carriageway project scope.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the original CSR plan involved the construction of rest areas, namely at Bentong and Kampung Relong in Lipis, but has been shelved.
"The CSR stretch was supposed to have two rest areas, but I was informed they (rest areas) now no longer exist.
"I was made to understand that the decision was due to a twofold increase from the original cost... we must remember the stretch is about 299km-long and there are no washroom facilities for road users, especially children and the elderly.
"The rest areas have to be built to provide comfort to road users. I was told that the construction of the rest areas were suddenly halted and when I queried further, it was due to the increase in cost, but for me that is another matter as the convenience of road users has to be given priority," he told reporters after opening the Pahang-level Orang Asli leaders retreat programme here today (Oct 9).
Yesterday, Wan Rosdy issued a statement expressing hope that the rest area construction works are carried out despite a twofold increase from the original cost.
Meanwhile, Wan Rosdy said he had issued a statement on the rest area yesterday, but there has been no response yet from the respective ministries.
"Since the next parliament session will begin soon, I have informed members of parliament from Pahang to raise and debate the matter (on CSR rest areas)," he said.
On April 11, Wan Rosdy announced that the CSR stretch between Bentong and Kampung Relong, Lipis will soon have access to R&R stops.
The 299km CSR, which has no rest stops or petrol stations, made headlines in April this year when motorists travelling along the stretch disposed of their trash along the expressway.