Selangor to weigh MRT project carefully

Selangor to weigh MRT project carefully

The Selangor state government will form an independent assessment team to review how much land is needed, and the number of people who will be affected, by the proposed Sungai Buloh- Kajang mass rapid transit (MRT) project.

The Selangor state government will form an independent assessment team to review how much land is needed, and the number of people who will be affected, by the proposed Sungai Buloh- Kajang mass rapid transit (MRT) project.

Chief Minister Khalid Ibrahim said the team will be tasked to assess the construction costs and the worth of the project.

Khalid announced this in reply to a question posed by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR-Sri Setia) in the Selangor state assembly sitting today.

He said he the state would veto the federal government project if it does not benefit the Selangor people.

“If the project is unfair or over-rides the welfare of Selangor people, we can choose not to grant them approval,” said Khalid (right).

Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin, later asked if the district land office had served land acquisition orders on some 30 shophouses in Kajang although the project has yet to be finalised.

Replying in the affirmative, Khalid said this would prevent property speculation, which would also cause the land price to shoot up.

“Speculators might convert land their (residential) lands into commercial land, in view that it is going to be acquired by government; they can then ask for higher compensation,”

Khalid however gave the assurance that the state will fairly compensate land owners.