KUALA LUMPUR – The Petaling Jaya Traffic Dispersal Elevated Highway (PJD Link) project is not dead in the water as the realignment will be tabled before the Selangor Economic Action Council for consideration.
State infrastructure and agriculture exco Izham Hashim (Pandan Indah-PH) said the six proposed changes, mainly in Petaling Jaya, were drawn up taking into account residents’ objections and certain findings in the original social impact assessment (SIA).
“The developer will have to submit another SIA on the areas involved in the realignment and to get residents’ feedback. This is a long process before it can be presented to the state and federal governments for reconsideration.
“The state has determined that the consultant appointed to carry out the SIA is independent, in addition to having the appropriate qualifications even though its services are paid by the developer,” he told the Selangor assembly.
Rajiv Rishyakaran (Bukit Gasing-PH) had asked about new highways in the state and updates on the PJD Link.
Izham said other proposed highways being considered in the state include the Putrajaya-Bangi Expressway, KL Node, Senawang-KLIA-Salak Tinggi Highway, and Kuala-Lumpur-Shah Alam Highway.
In April, Putrajaya cancelled the contentious PJD Link after claiming the developer failed to fulfil several necessary requirements.
Previously, Scoop reported the cancellation would cost taxpayers in excess of RM20 million as the developer incurred costs for various feasibility studies and approvals since 2016.
The project had courted persistent opposition, largely on the part of more affluent neighbourhoods in Petaling Jaya.
However, in recent months, there was vocal support for the project from communities in Taman Medan, Kinrara, Kampung Kayu Ara, and Kampung Melayu Petaling Jaya.
Business groups, including Bumiputera contractors, also voiced support for the RM4.4 billion project, which was estimated to create around 12,000 jobs. – July 4, 2024