Govt mulling new highway connecting Seremban to Jempol

JEMPOL: A highway connecting Seremban to Jempol dubbed the Madani Highway is being mulled by the government, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said although this was not included in the 12th Malaysia Plan, there were already studies being conducted.

"Next month, we will present the midterm studies of this project. God willing, following the results of the study, and in a year when the economy improves as it is now, we will build the Seremban-Jempol highway," he said during his speech at a Felda event here on Thursday (July 27).

"I understand this will help improve the people’s livelihoods and God willing, this will be approved," he added.

Earlier, caretaker Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said Felda chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Jempol MP Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli also raised the matter with him.

"We hope more developments can be made here in Jempol such as an alternative highway route dubbed the Madani Highway.

"We have done our part at the state level, and God willing, we are asking for the Prime Minister to approve this.

"That is what we are waiting for," he said.

Concurring, Felda chairman Ahmad Shabery said the Seremban-Jempol highway would result in only a half-hour journey from each destination.

"And from Jempol, you can enter Kuantan.

"This itself creates an alternative route to the Karak Highway.

"People from Pahang and Terengganu can go to Kuala Lumpur through this route.

"Those from Kelantan can also access this route during jams," he said.

Separately, Ahmad Shabery also proposed a 'Madani City' to be built on a wide piece of land, measuring about 800ha here.

"It can be Felda Madani Jaya. We will plan it comprehensively and cover developing various sectors which includes ensuring national food security," he said.

To this, Anwar said it could serve as an example of how Felda settlers and management can improve their own livelihoods.

"If possible, it should be handled by Felda themselves with an emphasis on the second and third-generation settlers.

"This makes Felda Madani Jaya an example of how children and families of Felda settlers can uplift their own livelihoods," he added.