Third Genting Sempah Tunnel to Ease KLK Traffic

Third Genting Sempah Tunnel and RM2.1 Billion KLK Highway Widening Project

The RM2.1 billion Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway (KLK) widening project includes the construction of a 999-metre third Genting Sempah tunnel, designed to increase traffic capacity between Selangor and Pahang. The project is a strategic Malaysian infrastructure upgrade by AFA PRIME Berhad, the concessionaire under AFA Infrastructure and Development Sdn Bhd (AFA Group), which holds the concession for the KLK and LPT1 until 2069. This initiative addresses chronic congestion for daily commuters, logistics operators, and tourists travelling between the Klang Valley and Malaysia's East Coast.

Key Facts

What is the Third Genting Sempah Tunnel?

The Third Genting Sempah Tunnel is a 999-metre road tunnel being built as part of the KLK widening project, set for completion by 8 March 2030. The tunnel utilises the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) and will operate alongside the existing 1978 westbound and 1996 eastbound tunnels to increase capacity at the Selangor-Pahang border.

**The Third Genting Sempah tunnel is a 999-metre, RM2.1 billion project component designed to ease congestion on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway, Malaysia's main gateway to the East Coast.**

The construction is managed by concession holder AFA PRIME Berhad, with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) regulating the process to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. According to the source, the new tunnel addresses a critical bottleneck on a route that sees 135,000 vehicles daily.

Why is the KLK Highway Being Widened?

The KLK Expressway is being widened from two and three lanes to three and four lanes across 45.3 kilometres to handle traffic that has increased more than threefold since 1997. The project includes the third tunnel to improve traffic flow during peak hours and festive seasons, which experience heavy traffic congestion.

"This is not just about building a bigger tunnel. It's about closing the gap between east and west, between potential and opportunity, between what exists and what the people on the East Coast deserve."

Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Works, at the project launch in Gombak.

The widening is necessary as the highway recorded an average of 135,000 vehicles per day, compared to 41,000 in 1997, placing enormous pressure on the existing two tunnels. **"The project reflects the government's long-term commitment to developing national strategic corridors, with construction expected to be fully completed by March 2030."**

How Will the Construction Work Be Completed?

Physical work on the 45.3-kilometre widening began on 9 March 2026, after the Construction Commencement Date (CCD) was approved by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LHA). The project is a multi-phase initiative with the construction of the third Genting Sempah tunnel, which uses the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) for its 999-metre length.

LHA Director General Ir. Mohd Hazmir Yusoff stated that the authority will act as the regulatory agency to ensure the project adheres to specified safety, quality, and governance standards. Every phase of construction must meet technical specifications with user safety prioritised and be completed according to plan.

**"The authority will play a role as a regulatory agency to ensure the project is carried out according to the standards of safety, quality, and governance, with every phase of construction must meet technical specifications."**

What Is the Traffic Impact and Strategic Importance of the KLK?

With traffic over threefold the 1997 level, the KLK is a major transportation corridor connecting the Klang Valley and the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, which is vital for daily commutes, logistics, trade, investment, and tourism. The increase from 41,000 to 135,000 vehicles per day demonstrates the highway's critical role.

The expanded route is expected to reduce travel times and congestion, especially during peak hours and festive seasons when traffic volume surges. This project supports the sustainable growth and efficient connection between the east and west, aligning with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations of sustainable development and good governance.

**"The KLK highway now records an average of 135,000 vehicles per day, a critical factor that will define and shape the broader strategic and economic interaction between the west and east coast."**

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This project is for Malaysian users who regularly travel between the Klang Valley (Selangor) and Bentong (Pahang), which is crucial for those in transport logistics, tourism, and daily commuters. The project addresses the pain points of travel at peak times and holiday seasons by increasing the capacity of the road network at the Selangor-Pahang border and towards the East Coast.

The existing KLK has become a significant bottleneck due to the sharp increase in traffic, thus limiting regional development and travel convenience. For instance, residents and businesses in the Eastern corridor will get a more reliable route, and the critical highway will support the region's business, trade, and leisure activities.

**"This project is directly relevant for the KL-Karak highway users, catering to the needs of daily KL-Pahang commuters and logistics companies that rely on the KLK as the primary transport route to the East Coast."**

Common Questions

Why is the Third Genting Sempah tunnel being built?

The 999-metre tunnel is being constructed to expand traffic capacity and reduce congestion at the Selangor-Pahang border. The KLK's 135,000 daily vehicles (up from 41,000 in 1997) necessitate this new tunnel to improve flow during peaks and festive seasons, supporting both locals and logistics.

When does construction of the KLK widening start and finish?

Physical work began on 9 March 2026, after the Construction Commencement Date (CCD) was approved by the Malaysian Highway Authority. The entire RM2.1 billion project is set to be fully completed by 8 March 2030, marking a four-year construction period for the 45.3 km stretch.

Who will manage and operate the new tunnel after it is built?

The concession of KLK and LPT1 is held by AFA PRIME Berhad. According to the source, AFA Group is bound to the expressway until 2069 and will continue to manage the tunnels throughout the concession period. LPT1 also has a separate RM200 million flood mitigation initiative.

Sources and Methodology

The content of this article is based solely on the provided source material: "Terowong Ketiga Genting Sempah Dibina, Projek Pelebaran KLK RM2.1 Bilion Siap Mac 2030" by Careta. Information specific to the Malaysian project was extracted and translated from Malay to English, preserving original quotes and data. All project costs are referenced in Ringgit Malaysia (RM).

This article was last updated on 20 August 2026. Currency conversions have not been applied as the original figures were already in RM. Specific infrastructure and project data were cross-referenced for geographical terms from the original source material.