DAP assemblymen disappointed with Umno over Kidex issue

PETALING JAYA: DAP assemblymen said the opposition should respect the state government's decision to cancel the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) project and not press for its revival.
Damansara Utama assemblywoman Yeo Bee Yin said the motion tabled by Permatang assemblyman Datuk Sulaiman Abd Razak on April 9 urging the state government to cooperate with the federal government to continue the construction of Kidex was without basis, as the traffic impact assessment report prepared by the Kidex consultant themselves states that the highway will not be able to solve the traffic problem in Petaling Jaya.
"Hence, the assemblymen should conduct proper research prior to tabling any motion, otherwise it will be a waste of everyone's time and resources to debate it," she told reporters during a press conference today where a joint statement was issued by Yeo, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran, Kinrara assemblyman Ng Sze Han and Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San.
"This is a futile attempt and if they are really concerned with the people's welfare and the traffic problems in Petaling Jaya, then they should voice their support towards Mentri Besar Mohd Azmin Ali's move to commission a traffic master plan by asking the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to give their full cooperation towards the plan and provide more allocation for public transportation," she said.
Rajiv said the traffic master plan is a better solution compared to building a highway over a high density populated area.
"Kidex is only able to reduce the average journey time within PJ by 1.3% and traffic to and from PJ by 2.6%.
"The traffic master plan on the other hand is able to identify the best ways possible to reduce traffic congestion woes faced by Klang Valley residents, by encouraging a greater use of public transport and the mentri besar has given a time frame of six months for this master plan to be drafted," he added.
Rajiv reiterated that the project was cancelled not because of protests and objection by the people, but due to reports provided by consultants on the lack of feasibility of the project.