SHAH ALAM, 11 June: The Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) has been called to the Selangor Economic Action Council (SEAC) meeting tomorrow to provide information on the proposed construction of the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (KIDEX) and other highways in Selangor.
The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, said that the MHA, which is responsible for regulating the tolled highways in Malaysia, must play an important role in giving deeper understanding to the public, especially to the residents of Petaling Jaya.
He said that the MHA is responsible for ensuring that the social and environmental needs are met, in addition to being a consultant in the development and management of tolled highways.
“It has been found that the people are confused or misled by stakeholders who either support or object the proposed construction of this expressway.
“We need to go back to the MHA as a statutory body under the Ministry of Public Works to oversee the development and management of tolled highways in Malaysia.
“We understand that so far, concession companies have not sent the Environmental Impact Assessment, the Social Impact Assessment and the Traffic Impact Assessment to relevant authorities, including the Petaling Jaya City Council (MPSJ),” he said.
He said this after chairing the Executive Council meeting today.
Meanwhile, Abdul Khalid said that the Selangor Government is ready to provide full cooperation to the MHA in efforts to provide information to the people, with direct involvement of representatives from the State Government and agencies under it.
He also calls for cooperation from all parties to first provide room to relevant parties to perform their duties and roles before follow-up action is taken.
“As a state government that adheres to principles of transparency and accountability, we need to consider various aspects in making any decision, and in the end, the interest of the majority of the people will be a priority,” he said.
