KUALA LUMPUR – The residents of Bandar Utama have voiced their frustration over opposition candidates “exploiting” the Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link Expressway (PJD Link) issue for political mileage.
Many in the residential area are demanding an end to what they perceive as opportunistic behaviour, urging the opposition to cease capitalising on the situation and instead concentrate on addressing more pressing concerns.
Ahmad Ibrahim, a Bandar Utama resident, voiced his exasperation, stating the suspension of the PJD Link project was a missed opportunity for Bandar Utama and its neighbouring areas.
“We urgently require enhanced connectivity to alleviate the daily traffic congestion. This initiative would have significantly eased our daily commutes,” he said.
“The people who are protesting should not straight away judge a project without giving an opportunity to the state government to implement it.
“I know that the caretaker Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari always does the best for us and the opposition candidates should not jump on this issue and create chaos out of this.
“These opposition candidates should stop acting as if they care for us and they should really advocate for our concerns and our issues.
“The MB should revive this project for the benefit of the people, without being pressured by certain groups of protestors and the opposition.”
Lee Wei Zong echoed similar sentiments, affirming that urbanisation is essential for locations like Bandar Utama, and asserting that residents can readily embrace development.
Moreover, Lee said development schemes are prone to facing criticism from specific factions, yet that does not inherently render it negative, particularly if it impacts a specific community.
“Urbanisation may face resistance, but it is through embracing development that we can pave the way for progress and alleviate the challenges that hinder our communities.
“The opposition is using this issue to fish for votes from the people of Bandar Utama, but it does not change my perspective on voting for Pakatan Harapan in the upcoming state elections,” said the 26-year-old resident.
Meanwhile, Rufina Razai, said that excessive development ventures such as the PJD Link could exacerbate traffic congestion in places like Bandar Utama.
– Scoop pic, August 11, 2023
The 35-year-old software engineer went on to express that politicians should desist from finger-pointing and, instead, prioritise addressing the genuine needs and interests of the people.
“Politicians must set aside the blame game and prioritise the sincere interests and necessities of the community, rather than worsening traffic congestion with over-ambitious projects like the PJD Link.”
Rajendran Rajalingam advocated for the government to raise awareness among Bandar Utama residents about the importance of adopting public transportation and curbing car usage.
“We should follow the same system that is being used in countries like Singapore, where the government regulates each household to own only one car.
“Personally, I believe there is a lack of exposure among the public regarding the use of public transport.
“I have observed that commuters, such as those on the MRT, are always empty. The government should promote public transport usage more extensively, as it will help alleviate the terrible traffic congestion we are facing here,” Rajendran said.
The PJD Link, a proposed 14.9km expressway connecting the Damansara-NKVE interchange of the New Klang Valley Expressway in the north to Bandar Kinrara in the south, has ignited heated debates in recent weeks.
This followed an announcement by Amirudin announcing the project’s suspension. — August 11, 2023