The closure of the Genting Sempah tunnel near Genting Highlands, initially scheduled to be completed on March 22, will be extended until end of May, to carry out the second phase of maintenance.

Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway concession holder, Anih Berhad's Senior Vice President, Asset Management Head, Radzimah Mohd Radzi said the closure for the second phase is expected to take approximately six weeks from end of March until end May.

"During the first phase, the closure was from Monday to Thursday from 8am to 5pm. However, for the second phase, it will be a 24-hour closure from Monday to Thursday and the road will be opened on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"We had to close it for 24 hours because it involves maintenance work on road pavement and after repairs, it will take time before any vehicle can use it," she told Bernama when contacted here Wednesay.

However, according to Radzimah, highway users of Kuala Lumpur-Karak should not be worried as the contra flow route, similar to the first phase, would be activated.

She said the maintenance work would be stopped on public holidays such as Labour Day and Wesak Day to ensure the smooth flow of traffic from Kuala Lumpur to the East Coast, and vice versa.

"Highway users need not worry because the closure will not cause traffic congestion and Anih Berhad officers will be on standby to ensure smooth traffic flow along the tunnel," she said.

Road users could obtain latest information on the East Coast Expressway (LPT) via Facebook page 'Lebuhraya Pantai Timur' and Twitter @LPTTrafik, or contact its LPT-Line at 09-5947 111. - Bernama