Residents peacefully protest PJD Link project

SOME 150 residents and politicians from both sides of the divide came together for a peaceful protest against the PJD Link Highway in Section 14, Petaling Jaya, on Saturday (July 2) morning.

The protest was led by almost 20 residents' groups, retired engineers and stakeholders.

The Stakeholders cum Residents Against PJD Link (SCRAP Highway) chairman David Yoong said the highway did not meet the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) low carbon city plan 2030.

He said it also did not meet the Local Agenda 21 plan which requires public participation and their input as well as climate change related goals and the Town and Country Planning Act 172, which requires sustainable development plans.

“Our next step is to hold peaceful protests at other locations affected by the PJD Link such as Bandar Utama.

“We will also send our humble plea to the Sultan of Selangor to put off the highway project,” he said.

Damansara MCA chairman Tan Gim Tuan, who was also present, said the state government must look at all the pros and cons of the project.

“We need a critical report to be presented to justify a highway. I would also like to ask the Pakatan Harapan state government if their promise to abolish tolls is still on?

“If yes, then act on that promise and abolish the toll,” said Tan.

Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Àbdullah, meanwhile, said the authorities should not take the easy way out by building highways but to consider other forms of traffic management.

She said cycling lanes, buses and public transport must be considered as traffic management solutions.