PETALING JAYA: The first section of the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) is now open, linking Sungai Long to Ampang and it will be toll-free for a month.
“There will be a one-month toll-free period, starting from 6am on Aug 30 until 11.59pm on Sept 29,” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said after officiating the opening of the highway.
Anwar added that the toll-free offer was also for National Day and told Malaysians to set aside all negative thoughts when celebrating the occasion.
“Focus on the unity of the nation, fly the Jalur Gemilang. We do not want to hear negative statements,” said Anwar.
Section 1 of EKVE is a dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, featuring four grade-separated interchanges, namely the Sungai Long Interchange, Bandar Mahkota Cheras Interchange, Hulu Langat Interchange and Ampang Interchange, along with four toll plazas and two lay-bys.
The stretch forms part of the Kuala Lumpur Outer Ring Road (KLORR) to divert traffic out of the city centre.
Anwar said the government would continue to spend on infrastructure for transport.
“Kuala Lumpur as a city is under immense pressure of traffic jams.
“I myself have been late to events despite having police outriders.
“Even though the cost is high, we will still have to develop it. The biggest budget, after health and education, is for transport infrastructure.
“We want faster rails and more coaches, we need planes. The needs are for locals as well as foreigners who want to visit Malaysia. All transport hubs have to expand.” .
He also said that there would be allocations for qualified bumiputra companies in development projects under the Works Ministry.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the EKVE is expected to reduce travel time from Ampang to Kajang to just 20 minutes.
“Section 2, which will connect this route directly to Ukay Perdana, is currently under development. Once completed, it will finalise the full 39km EKVE route as planned in the original development blueprint.”
