The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project that runs from Sungai Buloh to Kajang has been completed on time, with the government saving RM2 billion in construction costs, said Prime Minister Najib Razak in a report by Free Malaysia Today.
The success of the rail project is attributed to “a good structure in terms of governance, financing, and implementation. Another factor is the appointment of a Project Delivery Partner (PDP), said Najib, who is also the MP for Pekan.
He explained that the decision to have the MRT project managed by an executive committee played an important role in quickly solving issues related to capital allocations and problems that delayed the construction.
This body was helmed by Putrajaya’s Chief Secretary Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and included officials from other government agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
“This ensured that the project was managed with a high level of transparency and integrity,” noted Najib.
“This practice will be adopted in the implementation of other government projects to ensure efficient implementation based on transparency and integrity with minimal bureaucracy.”
Moreover, because the MRT project was funded directly by the government, there was no need to offer concessions. The authorities were also able to fully control and monitor its progress more closely.
Regarding MP Ong Kian Ming’s (DAP-Serdang) query on the MRT’s total costs, including the land acquisition expenses and the payment to the PDP, PM Najib requested MRT Corp to disclose these pieces of information.
On allegations that the rail project was a waste of money, he replied that it’s just their political opinion. “But the fact is that in the hearts of the people, the project is highly beneficial for them.”
Meanwhile, Najib revealed that the federal government has widened major roads in Kajang like Jalan Reko and Jalan Cheras from two lanes to four, and repaved them as well.
Image sourced from FMT
Radin Ghazali, Content Writer at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories email radin@propertyguru.com.my
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