By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
HULU SELANGOR, March 13 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will contribute to the northern region of Selangor, specifically Batang Kali, in becoming a railway transport and cargo hub.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the construction of the ECRL northern alignment would ease the shipment process of containers to Port Klang.
“Previously, the route from the northern part would have to pass through Kuala Lumpur before getting to Port Klang. With the ECRL, the shipment of goods via the Serendah Bypass would be part of the northern alignment.
“I believe that with this route, it would expand not only rail transport but also logistics companies and delivery services and in turn form Batang Kali as an important hub for the rail industry,” he said when met during the launch of the Ion Belian Garden housing project, here yesterday.
Amirudin said the state had also received proposals to develop tourism along the route heading towards Genting Highlands, Pahang.
“However, we would need to review the plans especially involving environmental aspects, before any development project is carried out in the area.
“This is because most of the land is owned by companies and individuals who are planning to turn it into a tourist area,” he said.
On December 2 last year, Amirudin had stated that the Selangor government had agreed on the proposed ECRL to pass through the state’s northern region.
However, he expressed his hope that the project would consider the environmental and social impacts, such as the water catchment areas near the Batu Dam, traditional villages, and the Orang Asli community.
