BUKIT Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran has urged Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong to stop delaying the implementation of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) by trying to revert the alignment to the northern option.
“Every day that he refuses to accept the southern alignment is a day of delay to the overall completion of the project,” Rajiv said in a statement.
“He should stop being so stubborn and accept the southern alignment that was approved by the Government in 2019 (ECRL 2.0), as it has more merits and credibility than the original northern alignment.”
Rajiv is referring to the alignment from Mentakab to Port Klang (Section C).
The original northern alignment was proposed during the Barisan Nasional (BN) era but was reversed when Pakatan Harapan came into power.
Wee had proposed that the ECRL revert to its original alignment but this is still opposed by the Selangor government through which most of the disputed Section C runs.
The transport minister told the Dewan Rakyat this week that Section C is already running a year behind the other portions of the ECRL.
“I am very curious why the transport minister is so insistent on reverting to the original route. Does he have other motives? Could it be that he or his ‘friends’ had vested interest in the original project with its northern alignment?” Rajiv questioned.
Don’t resort to flimsy justifications
According to Rajiv, Wee must provide solid and rational arguments to back his decision rather than resorting to “flimsy justifications” as building public transport that is sustainable and beneficial is crucial.
“He cannot simply dismiss what has been approved at his own whim and fancy,” Rajiv added.
The DAP politician reiterated Pakatan Harapan’s earlier claim that the ECRL 2.0 project in 2019 managed to reduce the original cost of RM65.5 bil to RM44.0 bil.
“Among the savings includes avoiding the Pahang-Selangor tunnel that is estimated to cost RM8 bil.
“The distance of the southern alignment is also 15km shorter than the northern alignment.
“Secondly, the Southern alignment passes through the upcoming Pulau Carey port and Westport, which is more impactful than the northern alignment station ending at Jalan Kastam, Klang, not directly connecting through the port.
“Thirdly, the northern alignment crosses the water catchment area of Selangor, something the Selangor government has repeatedly objected to and is trying to protect,” Rajiv remarked.
Rajiv noted that while Wee spoke of the environmental and social impacts of the project, the minister has conveniently overlooked the water catchment area.
“Millions of residents in KL and Selangor would agree that we should not jeopardise the water catchment area,” he added.
Rajiv went on to point out that the southern alignment had already obtained the approval of both the state and federal governments in 2019 when the Harapan administration had revised the ECRL route.
“All local councils in Selangor have been making the necessary preparations for the construction of the ECRL through the southern alignment, particularly the Sepang Municipal Council, making this alignment ready to go once Wee accepts it,” he justified.
“I strongly urge Wee to stop playing games and gamble with the people’s future, their needs as well as the economic development of the country as a whole.” – Oct 7, 2021.
Pic credit: The Star
