KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has urged the federal government to consider constructing rest and recreation (R&R) stops along the toll-free Central Spine Road (CSR).
In a post on the Kesultanan Pahang Facebook page, the ruler said that the absence of these essential facilities would complicate several issues, including meeting the basic needs of the public who travel this route.
"The federal government, through the Works Ministry and the Economy Ministry, must consider building rest areas along the CSR. Failing to implement this crucial aspect of the project will hinder efforts to address related concerns," the post read.
"The R&R stops are vital for providing convenience and comfort to road users, while also preventing littering along the road shoulder due to the lack of toilet facilities," he added.
Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed hope that the relevant parties would prioritise the continuation of this infrastructure for the benefit of the public, especially during festive periods and school holidays.
Yesterday, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail revealed that the CSR was originally planned to include two rest areas, but construction would not proceed due to a twofold increase in costs.
He called on the relevant ministries to reinstate these two rest areas, which were part of the initial four-lane dual-carriageway project.
On April 11, Wan Rosdy said that the four-lane CSR stretch between Bentong and Kampung Relong, Lipis, would soon feature R&R stops, and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi had said that the Pahang government had submitted a proposal for their construction.
The 299km CSR, which currently lacks rest stops or petrol stations, gained attention in April when images of litter along the expressway went viral, prompting authorities to place eight bins at known littering hotspots.