SHAH ALAM, 20 May: The Selangor Government, in principle, agrees with the construction proposal of the 14-kilometre Damansara-Kinrara Expressway (KIDEX) to reduce traffic congestion in the Klang Valley.
However, the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, has repeatedly stressed that the KIDEX concessionaire needs to go through a public hearing process before refining the construction proposal for the elevated expressway, including the entry and exit routes and other plans required by the local authorities.
He said that the construction of KIDEX – like other transportation construction projects such as the MRT and so on – will become part of the Selangor State Structural Plan 2035, which among others, focuses on improving the public transport system and alleviate traffic congestion.
“Reports published on several news portals today claim that the State Government agreed for KIDEX to be continued despite receiving objections from residents is inaccurate.
“The news reports only cite a part of the Chief Minister’s statement when asked by reporters about the State Government’s stand regarding the construction of KIDEX,” said the Chief Minister’s Press Secretary in a press statement.
According to the Press Secretary, Abdul Khalid’s statement should be seen as a whole; that the State Government’s aim is to solve traffic congestion problems that plague motorists almost every day, especially during peak hours.
At a press conference after inaugurating the Selangor State Structural Plan 2035 with the State Government Executive Council and technical agencies in Subang Jaya this morning, Abdul Khalid stressed that it is unfair for the KIDEX construction proposal to be cancelled without providing an opportunity to all parties involved to discuss the matter.
He said that despite not agreeing, the residents have to provide KIDEX a chance to explain the proposed construction, as practiced in developed countries.
At the same time, the State Government also wants the KIDEX concessionaire to take into account the views and objections from residents about the proposed construction.
He also said that the State Government cannot just take into account extreme views of those who support or those who object because the government has to listen to both sides and use the views to find the best solution.
Abdul Khalid said that he has directed the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to hold a public hearing again to provide KIDEX the opportunity to present the proposal and hold peaceful negotiations professionally with the residents.
For the record, the approval for the construction of the expressway and route alignment is under the responsibility of the Federal Government, while the State Government has the right to give advice.
“The acquisition of land for the expressway construction project is made in accordance with the National Land Code which allows the acquisition of land in public interest,” he said.
For the news report and full press conference footage, visit www.selangorku.com.