Land acquisition for the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) project along Jalan Sultan is in the people’s best interests of developing the best urban railway for them, Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) chairman Syed Hamid Albar said today.
He dismissed claims that the acquisition of the land was to “enrich certain people”.
“It is the kind of way for some people to divert attention. We need good public transportation and the government wants to give that to the people but these irresponsible people put their own interests first, not the people’s,” he said when met at Spad’s Aidilfitri open house in Kuala Lumpur.
He said the KVMRT would benefit everyone as it would provide the best transportation for the people besides being a catalyst for development.
He explained that in developed countries, urban railway projects had raised the value of land, provided employment for the people and improved the quality of living.
“If the land owner is not happy with the land acquisition, there is much we can do. We engage, interact and discuss with the public to find the best solution that makes all sides happy,” he said.
Syed Hamid also said that Spad would not demolish any historical building along Jalan Sultan.
On public transportation during Aidilfitri, he said Spad was happy with the zero accident rate involving public transport.
“Our integrated operation has been successful; no accident involving public transportation. We are really happy with the result,” he said.
– Bernama