Build alternative road for residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw urges the federal and state Governments to build an alternative road in Bandar Mahkota Cheras.


Dr Tan made this call during the debate on the supplementary supply bill at the committee stage regarding the Public Works Department having spent over RM 76 million for maintenance works on Federal Roads on 29 May, 2008.


In the last few years, the concessionaire Grand Saga has constructed a toll road, making residents from Bandar Mahkota use it. The company erected a five-foot wall repeatedly at the slip road of Bandar Mahkota to prevent them avoiding the toll road.


Although Bandar Mahkota is in Selangor state, about two kilometres of the slip road is on federal land. As residents do not have an alternative road except going through the toll road, the Government must build an alternative road. If the cost is estimated as RM 10 million, then the federal and the state Governments should pay RM 5 million respectively.


Meanwhile, Grand Saga should not erect another barrier at the slip road. On the other hand, it and the developer of Bandar Mahkota must be sensitive to the need of the people. It is believed that the main entrance to the area is on the other side of Bandar Mahkota .


The Government must investigate why a contract has been signed with Grand Saga when there is no alternative road for the residents of the area. They have no choice but to use the toll road. If there is a barrier at the slip road, about 10,000 residents have to use the toll road every day. I have been told that if the barrier is taken down, Grand Saga claims compensation amounting to hundreds of millions of ringgits. The Government must confirm the sum claimed by the concessionaire.


Recently, there have been protests and fightings at the wall of the slip road. It was taken down three times. On 28 May, 2008, redidents removed the wall for the third time. The slip road allows them to go to Cheras-Kajang Highway, avoiding to pay toll.


On 27 May, 2008, a few residents were injured in the fraca at the site of the wall. Some claim that Grand Saga hired 'thugs'. The police must investigate the incident.


Dr Tan Seng Giaw