PJD Link Highway: Action Group Calls for Transparency
Background
The proposed Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link elevated highway has been met with opposition from various quarters. An action group, Stakeholders cum Residents Against PJD Link, has called for transparency regarding the project.
New Realignment Plan Approved
According to media reports, the government has approved a new realignment plan for the PJD Link highway. However, the action group claims that they were never consulted on the matter. David Yoong, the group’s chairman, urged the government to provide complete information on the new alignment so that they can review it.
Cost and Revenue Concerns
Yoong also emphasized the need for transparency on the costs involved in the project, including the cost to reclaim land and the expected revenue from the concession. "The government and relevant parties must be transparent about these costs," he said.
Cabinet Approval and Next Steps
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung revealed that he had learned about the approval of the new realignment plan at a parliamentary committee meeting. He said that the Cabinet agreed to allow project developer PJD Link (M) Sdn Bhd’s fresh proposal for a new alignment on May 8. The ball is now in the Selangor government’s court to decide whether the project will proceed or otherwise.
Previous Pledge and Cancellation
Lee reminded that before the state assembly elections last year, the Selangor leadership had pledged to ensure the project was scrapped. On April 17, unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil announced that Putrajaya had decided to cancel the project after the concessionaire failed to meet six out of 11 conditions set by the government. The developer later stated that it was considering requests to review the alignment of the highway.
Alternative Solutions
Transport expert Rosli Khan, who attended the meeting with residents, emphasized that building new highways would not resolve traffic congestion issues in the long run. "We need to improve public transport throughout the Klang Valley," he said. Khan also suggested revamping the toll system, similar to Singapore’s open road toll system.
Project Details
The proposed PJD Link highway would connect the north and south of Petaling Jaya, passing through various areas, including Petaling Jaya Utara, Bandar Utama, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, and more. The proposal was approved in principle by the Cabinet in November 2017.
Conclusion
The PJD Link highway project has been met with opposition from various quarters. The action group has called for transparency regarding the new realignment plan, highlighting concerns over costs and revenue. The government and relevant parties must provide complete information on the project to allow for proper review and scrutiny.
FAQs
Q: What is the PJD Link highway project?
A: The PJD Link highway is a proposed elevated highway that aims to connect the north and south of Petaling Jaya.
Q: Who has approved the new realignment plan?
A: The government has approved the new realignment plan, but the action group claims they were never consulted.
Q: What are the concerns of the action group?
A: The group is concerned about the transparency of the project, particularly regarding costs and revenue. They also question the effectiveness of the highway in resolving traffic congestion issues.
Q: What is the current status of the project?
A: The project has been approved in principle by the Cabinet, but the Selangor government still needs to decide whether to proceed with the project or not.