KUALA LUMPUR – Environmental considerations have been a priority for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, particularly during the excavation works for the Gombak Tunnel, which were completed last month.
In response to concerns regarding potential harm to the forest areas surrounding Batu 11 Gombak, Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak emphasised that his team adhered to the guidelines set by the Environmental Department (DoE), notably the Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP).
Recognising the impact of construction activities on the Batu 11 Gombak area, the project team implemented several mitigation measures, including the installation of rip rap, hydroseeding, and shotcrete for slope protection.
Darwis further explained that to manage erosion and sedimentation, the ECRL team employed gabion cages, silt traps, silt fences, temporary earth drains, and check dams.
With regard to land clearing for the project in Selangor, he clarified that it did not involve any de-gazettement of forest reserve land.
“MRL, as project owner of the ECRL, is committed to fully comply with all requirements set out by the authorities to protect the environment and safeguard public interest.
“For our ongoing project in Selangor, we work closely with authorities and government agencies at all levels, including the federal government, the Selangor state government, the Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS), the DoE, and all relevant local councils,” Darwis said when contacted.
On October 21, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that residents of 21 houses in Kampung Sungai Chinchin, Gombak, who were affected by flooding caused by the ECRL project would be temporarily relocated to rental homes, with costs borne by MRL.
This agreement followed a special meeting involving the Gombak District Office, Selayang Municipal Council, MRL, and representatives of the affected residents. Amirudin highlighted an increase in the frequency of flash floods, noise and air pollution, and burst pipes, which had raised concerns about the quality of life for residents in Sungai Chinchin and North Gombak.
“Several decisions were made and I have directed that immediate action be taken, including the temporary relocation of residents of 21 houses affected by flooding, as they are in low-lying areas at risk of flooding throughout the construction period,” he said in a Facebook post.
For the long term, Amirudin, who is also the Gombak MP, stated that a retention pond would be constructed to address the flash flood issue in the area. MRL also agreed to bear the cost of repairing damage to houses and the main road caused by blasting activities.
He mentioned that MRL acknowledged and agreed to halt work in the area on Sundays and certain days, such as examination days.
“The Gombak Parliamentary Office will cooperate with all parties, including residents and MRL, to ensure the smooth progress of the ECRL construction without compromising the wellbeing of the residents,” he added.
On October 30, it was reported that the ECRL project had completed excavation works for the Gombak Tunnel a month ahead of schedule, marking ECRL’s 36th tunnel breakthrough, with five more to complete.
The project recorded its first tunnel breakthrough at the 1.1km Paka Tunnel in Terengganu, which was completed six months ahead of schedule in April 2021.
In Selangor, the first breakthrough was achieved at the 469m Sungai Buaya 2 Tunnel in May this year.
Stretching 665km, the ECRL will connect the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang to Selangor on the West Coast, aiming to reduce travel time between Kota Bharu and the Gombak Integrated Terminal to approximately four hours. – November 2, 2024