SEPANG: The Selangor government’s reluctance to approve the land acquisition for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project proves that the opposition-led state has failed to prioritise the people’s interest and the development of the country.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the state government’s act has affected the federal government’s plan to develop a better transportation system for the people.
“We had applied to the Selangor government to begin the land acquisition process many times, but until today, they have not done anything yet.
“That’s why we need the support from the people in Selangor to give BN a chance to take over the state so that we can address this issue.
“The opposition like to politicise everything. They politicise water and education issues, and now they are politicising the ECRL issue. They refuse to let the federal government implement development in certain areas,” Liow told a press conference after visiting the Sungai Pelek Barisan Nasional operations centre.
Liow, who is also MCA president, urged the people of Selangor to vote for BN so that the party can resolve the issues in the state.
“If we win Selangor in the 14th General Election, we promise that we will form a better Selangor,” he said.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) had previously said Selangor is the only state which has yet to
grant land approval for the implementation of the mega project. Other states such as Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, had already given the green light to acquire the land for the project.
The 688km ECRL is set to be a game-changer in the Malaysian transportation lanscape as it would cut travel time between the east and west coasts.
The ECRL journey from the Integrated Transport Terminal (ITT) in Gombak, Selangor, to Kota Baru, Kelantan, would be cut down to four hours, compared to the current average of eight hours, or even 12 hours by road during festive seasons.