By Amar Shah Mohsen
PUTRAJAYA, APRIL 17 — The contentious Petaling Jaya Dispersal (PJD) Link project has been officially cancelled, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced today.
The Unity Government spokesman said the Cabinet decided against continuing discussions with the project developer.
He revealed that the firm had requested an extension period to fulfil all conditions precedent set out by the government, but Putrajaya rejected the application.
“Our decision is not to proceed (with discussions). As a result of its failure to fulfil a number of conditions precedent, the project will not proceed.
“Our decision is not to grant an extension of time for the unfulfilled requirements,” Fahmi said during a post-Cabinet press conference today.
He said the Works Ministry will issue a statement soon with full details of the matter.
Selangor Journal has reached out to Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari’s office for an immediate comment.
On April 7, Amirudin reiterated the state government’s stand that it would not support the proposed PJD Link project unless it is realigned to satisfy all stakeholders.
He said the developer needed to consider realigning the highway to avoid areas where local communities have expressed their disapproval.
In July last year, the Menteri Besar said the state would only consider approving the project if it is satisfied with the findings of the studies conducted by the concession company and with public feedback.
The developer later submitted a social impact assessment report on the proposed highway, which revealed a mixed public reaction.
However, Amirudin stressed then that the project would not be given the go-ahead unless changes were made to satisfy all parties.
