Why are Selangor residents anxious about the Kidex highway project?

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Selangor Residents Express Anxiety Over Kidex Highway Project Due to Lack of Transparency and Information

Selangor residents are experiencing significant anxiety regarding the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex) project primarily due to a profound lack of detailed information about the highway's alignment and its potential impacts. This uncertainty is particularly acute for the 3,784 landowners whose properties are subject to a land freeze for potential compulsory acquisition, despite assurances from Kidex Sdn Bhd that such acquisitions would be minimal. The absence of a comprehensive Traffic Impact Assessment further fuels resident concerns, preventing them from understanding how the highway will affect their daily lives.
Uncertainty Surrounding Land Acquisition and Alignment Details

The anxiety among Selangor residents is largely fuelled by the uncertainty surrounding the compulsory acquisition of land for the Kidex project. Kidex Sdn Bhd has indicated that compulsory acquisition would affect only 10% of the 3,784 affected lots, with minimal impact on residential properties. However, this statement has not allayed fears, as residents remain apprehensive about the precise locations and extent of these acquisitions, especially since notices were served in July of the previous year. Compounding this is the lack of clarity on the exact highway alignment, leaving residents unable to visualise the project's footprint on their communities.
Inadequate Traffic Impact Assessment and State Government's Role

A critical point of contention is the perceived inadequacy of the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) for the Kidex project. Residents argue that without a detailed TIA, they cannot properly evaluate the potential consequences of the highway on their daily routines, including traffic congestion and accessibility. This concern is exacerbated by the state government's decision to grant an 'approval in principle' for the project without establishing a clear and accessible channel for residents to obtain the necessary information. This has led to a sense of frustration that the government is not adequately representing the public's need for transparency.
Concerns Over Project Cost and Transparency

The substantial cost of the Kidex project, estimated at RM2.42 billion for a 14.9km elevated highway, equating to over RM162 million per kilometre, has also drawn significant criticism. Residents are questioning the justification for such an exuberant expenditure, particularly given the public funds involved. There is a widespread perception of a "murky deal" between Kidex Sdn Bhd and the federal government, further amplified by the repeated lack of transparency from relevant agencies.
Demands for Accountability and Public Engagement

Residents have expressed anger over the perceived arrogance and lack of transparency exhibited by Kidex Sdn Bhd when interacting with the public. The developer's inability to furnish detailed highway alignment plans and TIAs has been met with frustration. Consequently, there are strong calls for the state government to leverage its authority over land matters to push for greater transparency and accountability from both the federal government and the developer, urging the state government to prioritise the interests of its residents over those of the developer or federal authorities.

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Why are Selangor residents anxious about the Kidex highway project?

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