Approval of new highways premature, says MP

PETALING JAYA: Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah has slammed the government’s approval of proposals for the development of new highways, calling it “extremely premature”.

She questioned the government’s go-ahead without first consulting and seeking approval from the respective state governments and their residents.

Maria reminded the government that developers were obligated to present three compulsory studies – the social, environmental, and transport impact studies – before the projects could be approved.

She also said the developer for the Petaling Jaya traffic dispersal elevated highway (PJD) Link – one of the approved highways – had yet to present the results of such studies to the state government or its residents.

“Many meetings, protests and concrete objections were raised to discontinue the PJD Link, but these seem to have fallen on deaf ears, especially with the works minister,” she said.

Works minister Fadillah Yusof had recently said proposals for the construction of new highways had been approved, adding that they could help alleviate traffic congestion.

Maria urged the Selangor government to reject the PJD Link and focus on alternative public transportation systems, which she believed would be of more service to the people.

She also suggested the development of an underground mass transit system, which could alleviate congestion without ruining the existing landscape and infrastructure. — Free Malaysia Today