KARAK: The Sultan of Pahang has refuted allegations that the mudslide at KM52.4 of the KL-Karak Highway on Wednesday was caused by illegal logging on the hillslopes.
Sultan Ahmad Shah said there had been no reports of illegal logging in the area and the authorities had not informed him of any such activity.
"There is no such thing. If there were, those responsible can be arrested, but so far I have not been informed of such activities," he said.
He was speaking after a two-hour visit to the site of the disaster where he was briefed on repair works and safety checks by authorities.
Accompanying Sultan Ahmad Shah was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who is also Bentong member of Parliament.
Sultan Ahmad Shah also handed out aid to victims from the Lentang Forestry Department quarters whose homes were affected by the mudslide.
Sultan Ahmad Shah also refuted statements made by Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof on Thursday, in which he said investigations by the Fire and Rescue Department and the Public Works Department found land-clearing activities on hill, which could have caused the formation of a waterlogged pool that eventually broke under pressure of constant rainfall, causing the mudslide.
"He should make statements based on facts, not speculation. I can tell you there is no illegal logging in this area," said Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Traffic will be allowed through the affected section of the highway from today and both lanes are affected to be fully operational by tomorrow.