The Public Works Department has been instructed to inspect the structure of all flyovers and elevated highways nationwide to look for any non-permissible cracks.

Works Minister S Samy Vellu also wants the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) to order all concessionaires to do the same immediately.

According to Bernama, the minister said he had informed Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of the directive this morning.

He had also explained to him the MHA report on cracks found on the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway.

Samy Vellu said continuous and periodic inspections that were being carried had not found any non-permissible cracks so far but another inspection could alleviate concerns over the cracks on the elevated highway.

"The inspection must be comprehensive and thorough to give the true picture on the situation and to explain the maintenance mechanism employed so that there is no confusion," he added.

Fine cracks

Samy Vellu issued the directive following reports by several dailies yesterday that serious cracks had occurred on certain sections of the RM700 million elevated highway.

Reacting to the reports, the MHA said in a statement that the highway was safe and it only sustained fine cracks which were normal.

Samy Vellu said he had instructed the MHA and PWD to submit their reports on the inspection on all flyovers and elevated highways to him as soon as possible.

"They are to prevent flyover and elevated highway structures from being used as publicity materials to make people, particularly road and highway users to feel fear," he said.

Those wanting to seek information or explanation should get from the ministry so as to avoid confusion and anxiety, he said.

Previously, cracks appeared on the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) and remedial works are currently underway.