KOTA BARU: Vegetable prices have risen by up to fourfold after soil erosion forced the closure of a part of Jalan Gua Musang-Lojing near Kampung Jekjok, Pos Brooke.
The road closure disrupted the transportation of produce from Lojing Highlands to some 200 wholesalers in the state.
Suppliers now have to use alternative routes, which are longer and costlier to travel.
Vegetable wholesalers at the Rural Transformation Centre in Tunjong have urged the authorities to expedite road repairs.
Kelantan Public Works Department director Nik Soh Yaacoub said it would take two months to repair the road, though this depends on weather conditions.
"For now, the road remains closed, and repair works have yet to begin," he said when contacted.
Nik Soh said the department must excavate the collapsed area to assess the extent of the damage before carrying out any remedial work.
"A diversion along the route is also not feasible, as the soil in the area is too soft, posing safety risks."
Last Thursday, the stretch of road was declared unsafe and closed to traffic in both directions.