Controversial highway project set to go ahead despite growing protests?

A controversial highway project seen as a revival of a project axed following protests from residents in Petaling Jaya is set to go ahead, MalaysiaNow has learnt.

It is understood that the Malaysian Highway Authority will convene for two days next week to discuss a proposal on the privatisation of the Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link (PJD Link), a 34km highway seen as a minor variation from the controversial Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) that was cancelled in 2015 amid strong public opposition.

Pressure has been growing on the Selangor government to prevent the construction of the highway, although Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari is seen as supportive of the project.

The PJD Link is a four-lane dual expressway to commence after the NKVE toll plaza on the Sprint Highway, ending at Bukit Jalil Highway Interchange.

It will link Petaling Jaya North, Bandar Utama, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, the Petaling Jaya city centre, Taman Dato Harun, Taman Medan Baru, Taman Sri Manja, Bandar Kinrara and Bukit Jalil Technology Park.

Critics say the routes are almost identical to those of the Kidex project cancelled by Mohamed Azmin Ali in February 2015, some five months after he replaced Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as the state menteri besar.

Kidex was planned as a 26km highway, starting from the NKVE toll and ending at Bandar Kinrara Section 2.

The state government said then that Kidex, which would have taken over land and properties, violated Petaling Jaya’s local draft plan.

Critics now question the inclusion of the PJD Link in the Selangor Structural Plan 2035.

“The state government has taken the rakyat for a ride. Multiple articles have debunked PJD Link’s claims,” said a petition to oppose the project posted on Change.org.

It said going by the Kidex project, some 3,700 houses will be affected.

“Why are our local council reps and politicians silent on this?” it asked.