The FT185 Federal Road between Simpang Pulai and Cameron Highlands is safe for motorists, said a state executive councillor.

State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Zolkafly Harun said this in response to a photograph of soil erosion along the stretch which has gone viral.

He said the viral photograph was of an old incident that had resurfaced and was making its round on social media.

"The state government through the Perak Public Works Department (JKR) has carried out an inspection and found that there are signs of erosion near the road but it is not as bad as what has been viralled.

"It is caused by rainfall and the condition of the terrain which is a valley area. Observations also found that the erosion occurs on the embankment slope, which is the soil slope," he told a press conference after visiting the affected site here today.

Zolkafly said improvement works of the slopes in the affected area have been carried out through the use of tie back wall and micropile slab.

He said JKR also conducts check in the area which is at risk of landslides, every three hours to ensure there is no soil movement.

Zolkafly added that the state government would be requesting an allocation of RM120 million from the Federal Government to repair the slope.

He also urged the public to be more responsible and careful prior to sharing any news that has not been verified as it might lead to unnecessary panic.

-- BERNAMA