Eatery at KM 45.9 on Simpang Pulai-Cameron road closed after drone shows erosion on unstable terrain
PETALING JAYA: Authorities have ordered the temporary closure of a well-known roadside eatery along the Simpang Pulai–Cameron Highlands route after assessments revealed significant landslide risks in the area.
The food stall complex, located at Section 45.9 of the FT185 highway, sits on unstable terrain that experts warn could give way, potentially endangering visitors and passing motorists.
Perak’s Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin announced that investigations conducted with the Public Works Department (PWD) determined the vulnerable slope lies outside PWD’s direct supervision and designated reserve area.
Despite falling beyond PWD jurisdiction, initial evaluations indicate the site occupies reclaimed or embankment land—terrain types particularly prone to collapse and erosion.
“In view of the current condition, PWD advises that the location be closed to all activities to prevent any undesirable incidents,” Mohammad Nizar stated today.
The chairman clarified that while PWD conducted the technical assessment, the authority to enforce closure rests with the Forestry Department and the relevant local government body.
The at-risk zone is situated within Compartment 31 of the Bukit Kinta Forest Reserve, adjacent to the food stall area that has become a popular stop for tourists and travelers heading to the highland resort.
Mohammad Nizar revealed that the food stall operator had been granted a Use Permit (Permit Penggunaan) by the Perak State Forestry Department to lease the 0.4-hectare site for food and beverage operations.
The permit, valid from May 16 through December 31 this year, will be affected by the closure order.
“For further action and an initial report, the Perak State Forestry Department will issue a closure notice to the permit holder starting tomorrow for a period of one month, pending a complete investigation,” he explained.
Public concern about the site’s safety intensified after drone footage shared by a TikTok user showed visible erosion of land near the food stall complex.
The aerial images, which circulated widely on social media, revealed portions of the terrain appearing to have collapsed or eroded away, prompting worried responses from netizens who frequent the route.
The visual evidence added urgency to calls for authorities to assess and address potential dangers at the location.
The affected eatery has long served as a convenient rest point for tourists and locals traveling between Ipoh and Cameron Highlands, one of Malaysia’s premier highland destinations.
Its location along the scenic FT185 route made it an attractive stopover for those seeking refreshments and photo opportunities while navigating the winding mountain road.
The temporary closure will impact both the business operator and travelers who regularly relied on the facility during their journeys.
The Forestry Department’s closure notice will remain in effect for one month while comprehensive investigations are conducted to determine the full extent of the risk and identify potential remediation measures.
During this period, authorities will likely assess:
- The stability of the remaining terrain
- The extent of erosion and land movement
- Whether the site can be made safe for future operations
- What engineering interventions might be necessary
The swift action by multiple government agencies underscores the priority placed on public safety, particularly in areas with known geological vulnerabilities.
Malaysia’s highland routes, while offering spectacular scenery, traverse terrain susceptible to landslides—especially during periods of heavy rainfall or when development occurs on unstable slopes.
The FT185 route itself has experienced various incidents over the years, making authorities particularly cautious about potential hazards along the corridor.
While the closure is temporary and localised, it highlights ongoing challenges in balancing tourism development with geological realities in Malaysia’s highland regions.
Cameron Highlands and the routes leading to it remain major attractions, but this incident serves as a reminder of the need for careful site assessments before approving commercial activities in potentially unstable areas.
The outcome of the month-long investigation will determine whether the eatery can eventually reopen with safety measures in place, or whether the location will be permanently deemed unsuitable for such operations.
Travelers planning trips to Cameron Highlands should note the closure and plan their rest stops accordingly along the route.
