Clarify status of PJD Link

Section 19 residents had put up banners along Jalan Harapan to object to the PJD Link project proposal. — Filepic

THE Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link (PJD Link) project has once again sparked the ire of the people as Selangor government appears to be wavering on its previous promises.

The state government has a duty to explain to the people whether the project has been given conditional approval or cancelled.

If it was the latter, then why was the project brought up in the Selangor State Assembly sitting for discussion?

Previously, the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) project was approved but following protests from Petaling Jaya residents, it was terminated in 2015.

The state government even made a promise then not to build any tolled highways.

Pakatan Harapan had reiterated that no Kidex-type highways would be revived, and assured the people they did not have to worry as long as it was the state government.

However, the same government today appears to be ambivalent on PJD Link’s status.

If the state government “agrees on principle” to the PJD Link project, it would be equivalent to going against their election manifesto on tolled highways.

Once again, Petaling Jaya folk would have to spend time, money and resources to protest against the construction of a highway near their homes.

When mega projects such as these encroach into housing areas, will the residents be forced to relocate to other places?

The Coalition Against PJD Link leader Sheikh Moqhtar Kadir estimated that between 500 and 1,000 families would be affected if the project commenced.

Furthermore, the highway will bring huge traffic volume, carbon emission, noise pollution and drastic changes to the landscape – affecting the residents.

Resolving traffic issues is a good initiative for the people’s welfare, but it must be done after extensive planning while considering all stakeholders’ views.

Residents are not anti-development, but the addition of a multilevel highway will undoubtedly affect the lives of those living nearby.

I urge the state government to give an explanation to the people as soon as possible regarding the status of the PJD Link project.

DATUK LAWRENCE LOW AH KEONG,

Deputy Treasurer-General,

MCA.