SHAH ALAM, 18 FEB: Investors and industry operators welcomes the State Government’s proposal to build the third Klang bridge which is hoped to ease travel to Port Klang.
In a dialogue with the State Government today, they expressed their hopes for the bridge to cross the Klang River and connect the port with the Klang city centre.
Although they acknowledged that the traffic in Klang town is rather congested, it is still needed as many industries and companies that use Port Klang has businesses in Klang town.
Their hopes were expressed by the President of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSCCCI), Tan Sri Datuk Ng Teck Pong.
However, the Chief Minister of Selangor Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim in response to the request explained that the important matter in the construction of the bridge is to ensure smooth and better traffic flow.
“KLSCCCI will be invited in the near future to take a look at the proposed plan for the construction of the bridge.
“We welcome suggestions given and we are ready to cooperate to find the best solution,” he said in the Business Luncheon With SMI Companies dialogue session at the Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC).
Also present were State Executive Councillors Teresa Kok, Dr Xavier Jeyakumar and Ronnie Liu.
During the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session, Abdul Khalid announces the construction of the Klang third bridge project that was previously promised by Umno-BN in 2008.
The 500-metre long bridge worth RM300 million will be funded by the State Government, using savings from the state reserve. It is expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months.
The process of selecting the design of the new bridge will begin this week before the tender is issued.
The bridge, which will cross the Klang River, is important to road users, especially for Klang residents as Construction of a bridge across the Klang River is important to road users especially people in Klang for trekking unnecessary congestion in the city center of Kuala Lumpur Klang or the Port Klang.
In similar developments, Abdul Khalid stressed that the construction of this bridge will still continue despite the 13th General Elections (GE-13) being held soon.
He explained that in the planning of any project, being financially sound is more important that making mere announcements.
“This is the lesson learnt in March 2008. Their (Umno-BN) mistakes did not provide financial guarantees, only a groundbreaking (ceremony).
“We acquire funds first before executing. Now we can do it (the Klang third bridge),” he said in a press conference after attending the monthly meeting of the State Government employees.