Mohamad Zahri: Train depot contractor asked to provide earthworks, roads, drainage plans.
A CONTRACTOR building a train depot in Railway Park, Petaling Jaya in Selangor was issued a stop-work order for starting the project without approval from the local authority.
The depot is part of the Klang Valley Double Track (KVDT) project aimed at upgrading the existing railway network in the region.
The stop-work order was issued by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) following complaints from councillors in the area.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said a meeting was held on Dec 17 with Railway Assets Corporation, Transport Ministry and the contractor to discuss the issue.
“We were informed that the ministry was upgrading the tracks as well as Seri Setia and Jalan Templer train stations,” he said when met after the MBPJ full board meeting yesterday.
“Works on the stations have been completed and are awaiting the issuance of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance.
“As for works to upgrade the tracks, the contractor has been asked to provide the earthworks, roads and drainage plans.”
Mohamad Zahri said the ministry had agreed to move parts of the depot to another location.
“However, the storage facility and administration office will still be located on Jalan Railway, opposite the homes there.
“The ministry will also build a physical barrier and ensure the access point is limited to Jalan Tandang,” he said.
MBPJ Planning Development Department director Lee Lih Shyan said the contractor was also asked to submit a social impact assessment study to Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) for approval.
He added that state government approval was also required as the project site was on government land.
“The new location for the depot will need to be presented again to MBPJ traffic and public facilities committee for review.”
Separately, Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ was projected to receive an additional RM70mil revenue from assessment taxes next year following the 25% increase announced earlier this month.
He said the income would go towards upgrading and maintaining drains, roads and public parks, among others.
He assured that low-cost properties would remain exempt and this was expected to cost MBPJ some RM6.2mil.
“As for properties under the traditional village category, exemption will be given on a targetted basis.
“The application procedure will be made on MBPJ’s website and social media pages soon.”
