KUALA LUMPUR: Petaling Jaya member of parliament (MP) Lee Chean Chung commended the government for halting the construction of the Petaling Jaya Traffic Dispersal Link (PJD Link) highway project.
He praised the cabinet's decisive rejection of PJD Link's request for an extension to fulfil specific conditions.
"The PJD Link was proposed to address the severe traffic congestion in Petaling Jaya. However, it has faced opposition from local residents as it is not seen as the fundamental solution to the transportation constraints faced by the people in the Klang Valley," he said in a statement today.
Lee said the traffic congestion issue still required immediate attention from the federal and state governments.
He said the traffic congestion stemmed from an incomplete public transport system, irregular first- and last-mile connectivity and urban planning that did not prioritise buses, e-scooters, bicycles and pedestrians.
He said the government should have a strong and clear commitment to address the car-oriented economic constraints.
"Besides the PJD Link, the government should propose concrete alternatives for the people.
He said despite billions of ringgit spent on the KTM Komuter, light rail transit and mass rapid transit, interconnectivity was still a serious problem.
He said there was a lack of clear action to solve the long-standing issue.
"Considering the worsening traffic congestion, I believe the government needs to act now before it is too late," he said.
Meanwhile, "Say No to PJD Link" coordinator Billie Tan wants the government to enhance public transport and improve first- and last-mile connectivity.
She said highways only exacerbated traffic congestion without addressing the underlying issue.
"Look at cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul and Shanghai.
"They have efficient public transport systems, contributing to their economic status," she said.
Tan highlighted the financial burden on citizens who spent an average of RM8,000 to RM10,000 annually on car maintenance, fuel, parking, tolls and other expenses.
"Embracing public transport would promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce obesity and long-term medical costs.
"Moreover, the increased use of public transport would lead to lower carbon emissions, benefiting overall public health," she said.
Earlier today, the cabinet decided not to proceed with the PJD Link highway construction project.
Unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the decision was made after the concessionaire failed to meet six of the 11 conditions.
Fahmi said previously, the company applied twice for an extension to meet the conditions.
As a result of that failure, he said the project would not be continued.
