PJD Link Has Not Received Any Halt Order

PJD Link (M) Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire behind the Petaling Jaya Traffic Dispersal Link (PJD Link) highway project, has spoken out in defence of the initiative, emphasising its considerable economic and social benefits.

The company issued a statement recently outlining that the PJD Link, valued at RM4.4 billion, is expected to create around 12,000 jobs and generate a total economic output of RM31 billion. The project, according to the company, stands as a vital infrastructure initiative tailored to match Selangor's rapid development, aiming to provide a seamless connection between Kinrara and Damansara.

This privately funded project is designed to serve as a comprehensive traffic dispersal system, integrating with seven major highways and 11 interchanges to improve connectivity across communities and alleviate congestion.

Furthermore, according to the concessionaire, although the Cabinet had decided last Wednesday to halt the construction of the PJD Link project, the company has not received any formal notification regarding the project's discontinuation.

The concessionaire further added that the project, which is under the ownership of the Federal Government via the Works Ministry, has previously passed rigorous evaluations by all necessary ministries and regulatory bodies, including environmental, traffic, and social impact assessments.

Addressing the concerns raised by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil about the six unmet conditions, the concessionaire explained that these were due to the complexities inherent in such a large-scale project, which caused delays in meeting the initial prerequisites.

While acknowledging public concerns, the concessionaire highlighted that the project enjoys considerable support from stakeholders along the proposed route. For example, residents at Taman Medan are looking forward to the completion of PJD Link to help address the persistent traffic congestion along roads leading to Puchong and the Shah Alam Expressway from Jalan Klang Lama.

Furthermore, Taman Medan assemblyman Dr. Afif Bahardin stated that in the event of cancellation, the Federal Government would be required to pay almost RM100 million in compensation to PJD Link.

Meanwhile, Work Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi confirms Fahmi's announcement, saying the PJD Link concessionaire would be notified in writing of the project's cancellation soon.