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We said we prefer southern alignment for ECRL, says Selangor MB

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He says all studies on the southern alignment have been completed, unlike the northern alignment alternative proposed by the federal government.

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Free Malaysia Today
The rail project that will link Kelantan to Port Klang was scheduled for completion in 2024.

SHAH ALAM:
The Selangor government is still maintaining its stance in choosing the southern alignment for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in the state, compared with the proposed northern alignment, said menteri besar Amirudin Shari.

He said the southern alignment (Hulu Langat-Sepang-Westport) was chosen because it would open more new economic areas, apart from avoiding disruption to water catchment areas around the Selangor River Basin and land acquisition issues, as well as population relocation in areas involved in the proposed northern alignment (Gombak-Serendah-Port Klang).

“The old route (northern alignment) has long been rejected and we have completed all studies on the southern alignment.

“The issue of expediting or delaying (the ECRL project) is due to the federal government’s decision to revert to the northern alignment,” he told a press conference here today.

“In our view, if we want to expedite the project then use the southern alignment, because everything is complete.

“The northern alignment has many incomplete things (to resolve) such as land acquisition and the relocation of residents in Kampung Keretapi, Ijok. It will take time.

“That is why in our official decision, we preferred the southern alignment rather than the northern alignment even though I have to admit both have their own strengths. The northern alignment, for instance, will include the Serendah Bypass.

“However, for us, the Serendah Bypass can still be implemented with a separate budget and the southern alignment can be completed without additional funds or costs.”

On Monday, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd chairman Mohd Zuki Ali said the government was incurring losses of about RM1.25 million a day following the Selangor government’s indecisiveness over the realignment of the ECRL project.

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