PETALING Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah has again urged the Selangor government to reject the proposed Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link (PJD Link) highway.

She said it would be better if the authorities consider alternative public transport systems, which are sustainable.

“A consultation meeting between the state government, elected representatives and residents will be useful in resolving Selangor’s position on the PJD Link,” she said in a statement today amid reports that the federal government has approved more private highways in the Klang Valley.

“There are many ways to skin a cat, and elevated or multilevel highways are just not viable solutions.”

Works Minister Fadillah Yusof yesterday said Putrajaya had approved proposals from the private sector for the construction of new highways, including around the Klang Valley.

He said they were among several proposals the government had received for the construction of highways to address the problem of traffic congestion.

“We will continue to look into the other proposals and hope the private sector will comply with the set requirements and conditions once approval has been granted,” he was quoted as saying at the ministry’s Hari Raya celebration.

“With these new highways, we hope the connectivity within the Klang Valley and with the rest of the country will improve.”

The PJD link is believed to be among the highways.

The Malaysian Insight has reported that Selangor executive councillor Izham Hashim said talks on the PJD Link are ongoing.

The Malaysian Highway Authority has informed the state government that the federal government and developer are still in the process of negotiating the project, he said.

As talks are still with the federal government, Izham said to date, the concessionaire has not made any application for a second presentation to the Selangor executive council.

He also said before the project can commence, the concessionaire must carry out environmental, social and traffic impact assessments.

Maria said the authorities must listen to Petaling Jaya people on unnecessary highway developments.

“The works minister has no clue as to what people are saying about flyovers and elevated highway developments,” she said.

“Yes, I agree that traffic congestion must be addressed, and yes, we do require more public transport.

“But the reason for public transport is not to give options but to be a right and a necessity – just as hospitals, schools, recreational centres and libraries are necessities for sustainable and healthy lifestyles for all.”

Maria said to date, the Kidex cum PJD Link developer has not shown the state government nor the affected residents the three compulsory studies that are needed prior to approval of any development.

“Many meetings, protests and concrete objections were raised to discontinue the PJD Link, but they seemed to fall on deaf ears, especially with the works minister,” she said.

“As a result, it is premature for the minister to approve development projects without first consulting with the state government and residents.”

She said an underground or smart mass transit system will help reduce congestion, provide greater mobility access for the young, aged and infirm and save the environment.

“Build a smart underground mass transit train and road system as it will reduce land acquisition costs, have zero demolition of properties, reduce shifting of existing structures and utilities, and reduce pollution during piling and its development,” she said.

“Provide more frequent and well-planned public buses and create public awareness on the use of public transport, which will reduce our carbon footprints.

“Encourage urban sprawl to reduce the burden on the city centre. This means having the foresight and vision to develop well-planned new cities, towns and housing areas.

“Provide mobility incentives for both residents, commercial and industrial companies to encourage them to move out of the city centre.”

She said if only the government and developers can do these things, then the people will indeed have a healthier, less carbon footprint and sustainable environment for now and the future. – May 25, 2022.