A resident’s group is objecting to the construction of the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (KIDEX) and are demanding to meet with Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim over what they say was the premature approval for the project.
The committee wants Khalid to explain why his administration consented tentatively to the project without first getting public feedback or the necessary traffic assessment reports.
The group’s pro-tem president Dr Mohan Mahatheva expressed disappointment over Khalid’s recent statements saying the project would go ahead.
“We unequivocally disagree that there can be any ‘balanced approach’ as claimed by Khalid Ibrahim, in piercing a massive skyway through a built-up and densely populated neighbourhood.
“Improving public transportation is the only alternative,” he said at a news conference in PJ.
He said the group had previously sent a memorandum to the Menteri Besar on the matter, but were diverted by the MB’s office to the Selangor Town and Country Planning Department.
The group will send a notice to Khalid and other Selangor state assemblymen tomorrow inviting them to the meeting scheduled to take place at 8pm on April 18.
He added that the group will have no choice but to resort to public protests if their demands are not met.
“Is that what the government wants us to do?” Dr Mahatheva asked.
MB Khalid said earlier today that his administration has “agreed in principle” to the Kidex project but it will be subjected to traffic and social impact assessment reports.
“The state will also inquire into toll collection, early termination upon cost recovery and agreed profit.
“Lastly, the state is open to changes to the implementation of the project if shown to be beneficial to the public,” he said in a posting on his official Facebook page.
He did not, however, furnish details beyond that.
Story: The Malay Mail Online
