End of the road

On 8th August, the was another meeting with Tan Seri Syed Hamid Albar of SPAD, Prasarana, Dato Yap Pian Hon and BK3 protem committee in SPAD's office.

This was the final push with the suggestion of constructing a new ramp exiting from the left lane of Bukit Jalil Highway to BK4 in order for the LRT track to be realigned to the middle of Bukit Jalil Highway.

SPAD, JKR and Prasarana had visited BK3 area the week before to see if there is a possible way for that to happen.

In Prasarana's presentation, they have concluded that the new ramp is not a viable option. It will have temporary as well as permanent problems for the residents of BK3 if materialized.

In fact, the ramp will be closer to the houses than the LRT track. On top of that, time frame, temporary traffic diversion, etc. making that option not possible.
 
SPAD concurred with Prasarana's finding, leaving us no option but to stick to the original plan of having the LRT track at our green lung.

In consolation, Prasarana proposed to install sound barriers next to the track, and beautify the area with landscaping after the construction is completed.

Sound barrier and landscaping proposed by Prasarana

That was the end of discussion.

The protem committee had tried their very best over the last two years to resolve the issue of station no. 5 and realignment of LRT track.

While they managed to get station no. 5 canceled (on hold), they were not able to convince the responsible authorities to realign the LRT track.

They have tirelessly approached MPSJ, Selangor State Government, YB Gobind Singh, and Teresa Kok, Dato Yap Pian Hon, and finally SPAD chairman Tan Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

Yet the answer is still the same every time - nothing can be done about the realignment.

While still not satisfy with the non-solution, there is really nothing more the protem committee can do. They have exhausted every avenue possible trying to get the realignment done.

Therefore the committee feels it is time for it to dissolve. There is really nothing more can be done.

They would like to thank every BK3 residents who offer their support over the past two years. Without your support, station no. 5 would not have been canceled.

If there is any consolation, winning half the battle is better than nothing, life still goes on.

Have a good holiday and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all Muslim friends.

What's next?

With the construction of Ampang LRT line continues, our fight for realignment still hangs in the balance. We have exhausted almost all avenues in our fight, but continue to reach out to the people that can possibly help us to find a solution.

On Tuesday, 4th of July, we finally get another chance.

This time with the help of Dato Yap Pian Hon, we managed to arrange a meeting between Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, chairman of Suruhanjaya Pengakutan Awan Darat (SPAD), Dato Yap, Prasarana and BK3 protem committee members.

Meeting in SPAD's office

We again presented our case with several proposed options for the realignment of the LRT track. However, Prasarana again citing technical and cost as some of the reasons that are preventing them from further pursuing the possibility of realignment.

In addition, some of technical issues also involve possibilities of restructuring the ramp and highway alignment, which fall under the jurisdiction of JKR. All that will probably involve additional funding as well.

Unfortunately, SPAD mentioned that their hands are tied in our realignment issue. They have no say in anything that involves cost. Unless there is instruction from higher authority, there is really nothing much they can do.

They also mentioned we are probably a little late in highlighting this issue, even though we told them since as far back as in 2009, when the project was announced, we have already voiced our concerned. We then continue to highlight the issue again many times since beginning of 2011, when the project was awarded, non stop until now. Most of our correspondences are copied and hand delivered to SPAD as well.

However, SPAD did mention anything is still possible and ask Prasarana to stop cutting the trees at the green lung until this is officially settled.

One thing we must highlight is Prasarana has already obtained all the necessary approvals from all relevant authorities to construct the track at the green lung. In other words, they have the legal right to go ahead with the tree cuttings and construction of the tracks at our green lung.

As with station no. 5, it is still put on hold at this moment, and we hope it remains so forever. For the convenience of BK3 residents, there is a station no. 4 walking distance away at BK2 that can serve our community equally well.

Meanwhile, we will continue to take our fight to the next level.