Bandar Mahkota Cheras slip road to be opened soon - The Sun

SHAH ALAM (May 22, 2008): by Tim Leonard

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has assured residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras that the access road to the Cheras–Kajang Higway will be reopened soon, but did not say when.

Speaking to reporters after attending the State Legislative Assembly today, Khalid said he has not received any news from the Works Ministry as well as from the highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd and developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd.

"The Selangor government wants the road to be reopened for the convenience of residents and it will be opened soon," said Khalid.

"Grand Saga and Narajaya have not yet reached an agreement and as we are aware, they have gone to court to sort things out.

"Narajaya has planned the development with the road while Grand Saga wants compensation if it is reopened, so it is up to the two parties to sort out the matter.

"I see the issue as a problem between two business entities, but the road can still be reopened and that is why I want the Works Ministry and LLM (Malaysian Highway Authority) to sort it out," said Khalid.

Khalid had, on May 13, given a one-week ultimatum to Grand Saga and Narajaya to reach an agreement. But after a week, it is apparent that an agreement is not on the cards.

On May 8, scores of Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents dismantled the barricades - the third installed by Grand Saga to prevent them for using the road, which offers a shorter and toll-free route into their housing estates.

Police had to be called in to disperse the angry residents.

Closing the access road means residents have to travel an additional 6km and pay 90 sen for each trip.

It is learnt that Grand Saga, which stands to lose some RM2 million or more a month with the opening of the road, is seeking compensation.