Selangor orders Kidex developer to hold special briefing for lawmakers on June 6

(Malay Mail Online) – The Selangor government has ordered Kidex Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) to hold a special briefing on Friday, June 6 to explain the controversial RM2.42 billion project to state and federal lawmakers as well as local councillors.

The Malay Mail Online understands that the decision was made last week by the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES), following wide-spread public objection against the 14.9km elevated highway.

“The briefing is on June 6, yes. Decided by MTES, where all state MPS, assemblymen and local councils will get a chance to ask questions and clarify matters,” Selangor mentri besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s press secretary Arfaeza Aziz told The Malay Mail Online when contacted.

She also said that the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MBPJ) will act as a “coordinator” for the special briefing.

Arfaeza said the briefing would not be open to residents.

“After this, there will be separate briefings for residents, from zone to zone,” she added.

The Kidex project has been rejected on three occasions by the city council as developers had failed to provide sufficient details.

Under Section 18 of the Town Country and Planning Act (TCPA), construction cannot start unless the highway fits with MBPJ’s plans.

Kidex is currently not incorporated into the council’s blueprint for Petaling Jaya city.

Despite the growing opposition, mounting evidence in the form of replies in Parliament and the state legislative assembly indicate that the project is set to proceed.

Among the areas that could be affected by the project are Tropicana Mall, SS2 Mall, Rothman’s traffic lights, Section 14, Amcorp Mall, Hilton Petaling Jaya, Tun Hussein Onn Eye Hospital, Jalan Templer roundabout, Taman Datuk Harun, Taman Medan Baru and Bandar Kinrara.

Construction of the multi-billion ringgit highway could begin as soon as next year and be completed by 2018.