PETALING JAYA – Selayang MP William Leong has volunteered to act as a “bridge” in facilitating communication between the Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link (PJD Link) highway developer and residents opposed to the project.
He said his goal was to establish a middle ground that would address the concerns of affected residents and allow the project to move forward.
Leong also invited PJD Link (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive, Amrish Hari Narayanan, to engage directly with the residents to understand their grievances.
“If you listen to the reasons for the objections and address their concerns, I am sure that a way can be found to solve the issue.
“I am an MP for Selayang, but at the same time, since I am living here (in Petaling Jaya), the interest of the residents will be assured,” Leong told a press conference today.
“The residents do not object to the proposed highway without reason.
“Instead of using the state government to push through and ride roughshod over the residents, displacing those affected, exposing them to air and noise pollution, and disrupting their economy and business, come and address their concerns.”
Highlighting the residents’ objections as valid, Leong underscored the importance of addressing concerns and to consider the residents’ perspective.
Referring to recent reports that the PJD Link highway project, initially cancelled by the Selangor government on July 31 last year, is back under consideration, Leong urged the developers to reassess the highway’s alignment and explore feasible alternative options, emphasising collaboration.
“I (also) called on the developer to work together with the residents.
“You will certainly find it more profitable. And for the residents, they can look forward to a more flourishing life.”
The Selangor government initially scrapped the project last year due to deficiencies in the developer’s social impact assessment (SIA), environmental impact assessment (EIA) and traffic impact assessment (TIA).
However, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said on August 1 last year that the cancellation was not final.
The project might still be approved if the developer meets all the state government’s requirements through a thorough evaluation of its SIA, EIA and TIA, he had said.
It is understood that all three reports were presented to the State Economic Action Council earlier this month.
Amirudin also clarified that the ultimate decision rested with the federal government.
Today’s press conference was attended by David Yoong, chairman of Residents Against PJD Link (ScRAP) Highway, and Dhanaraj Arumugam, the head of the Say No to PJD Link Highway Kinrara group, along with other stakeholders. – January 27, 2024